Posted on 08/06/2025 5:18:05 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Authorities in southern Libya have uncovered a prehistoric rock art site believed to be as much as 10,000 years old, following a report from a resident who spotted unusual engravings on rock faces in the Al-Hasawna Mountains, near Wadi Mubarak.
The discovery has sparked major archaeological interest and led to immediate protective action by Libyan officials. The markings were first brought to the attention of the Sabha branch of the Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Agency.
A formal investigation was launched soon after, with the Public Order Prosecution in Sabha and the Fezzan Antiquities Authority notified to oversee the site’s examination.
An investigation team assembled by the national and local authorities Under the direction of Major General Al-Sanousi Saleh Al-Sanousi, head of the Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Agency, and the Director of the Public Order Prosecution, a joint inspection team was assembled.
Grecian Delight supports Greece The delegation included officers from the Tourist Police in Sabha and Wabari, expert archaeologists from the Fezzan Antiquities Authority, the Head of the Archaeology Department at Sabha University, and representatives from the Brak Al-Shati Security Directorate.
Rock engravings show multiple phases of prehistoric art Initial analysis by archaeologists confirmed that the site contains numerous rock engravings spanning key phases of Saharan prehistoric art. These include the Round Head, Buffalo (also referred to as Bovidian), Camel, and Horse periods—each marking distinct eras in the artistic and cultural evolution of the region.
Experts say the carvings provide rare insight into the lives, beliefs, and environment of ancient communities that once inhabited the central Sahara.
The artworks depict a range of figures, animals, and symbolic forms that are consistent with other known rock art sites across the Libyan desert, though the newly uncovered engravings are considered exceptionally well preserved.
Authorities move quickly to protect the archaeological site In response to the findings, authorities moved quickly to secure the area of Jabal al Hasawna. Patrol units from the Southern Region Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Agency have been deployed to guard the site and prevent potential looting or vandalism. Legal procedures are also being pursued to designate the location as a protected cultural heritage zone.
This discovery adds important new material to the broader understanding of North African prehistory. It also highlights the need to protect Libya’s archaeological legacy amid increasing threats from development and illegal excavation.
Officials have not yet announced whether the site will be opened to researchers or the public in the near future. For now, the focus remains on preservation and documentation.
“believed to be as much as 10,000 years old,” Ok, how were they dated?
Interesting that so much archaeology starts after the Younger Dryas, all across the world.
Not sure what came before, but the (comet strike) events of ~12,000 bc sure do have a lot in common, all across the world.
“How were they dated’’.
Indeed. A 10,000 year old engraving on a bare rock face and no erosion of the image? That could have been scratched in there when ever.
However if it is indeed that old and this was during the Ice Age Period it would show that at one time giraffes , which is what those images appear to be, were in that part of what is now the Middle East.
Fascinating.
ping
When there wasn’t even any Hollywood.
LOOK LIKE GIRAFFES TO ME
The cross in the circles are identical to American Indian petroglyphs found near my home dating back to around 1,000 years ago.
So, were they depicting these as artists or as historians? Was it a sign post? A mark of what was there or what was killed?
Pretty nice artwork, nevertheless.
Did not have paint spray cans.
Love me some Steely Dan.
L
They look pretty obvious. Nobody saw these in over 10,000 years? I suspect a hoax.
They heard the call
Was Dr. Wu involved?
L
“Ogggg Was Here”????
So much for Ford Prefect being involved in creating the Giraffe.
Thanks!
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