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ValCamonica – Collection of prehistoric rock art

ValCamonica
Photo bernat.erasmus

ValCamonica is a glaciated valley in the Alpine foothills of Lombardy, italy, that contains a rich collection of prehistoric rock art conventionally divided into four chronological phases (Neolithic, Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age) with subdivisions. Thousands of images were pecked into the glacially smoothed rock surfaces, and they include daggers, chariots, warriors and warfare, sun motifs, hunting and plowing scenes, men and animals, and geometric designs. Certain images are interpreted as huts while some at the site of Bedolina in Valcamonica are usually thought to be maps of settlements.

Fighting scene

Naquane carvings
Photos Gyrus


Ossimo 4 rock
Photo wyatt moody

The white pigment seen within the depressions of this piece is meant to replicate the modern day chalk used to “highlight” the actual engraving, which would otherwise be almost impossible to see after so many thousands of years.


Prehistoric petroglyphs 1

Prehistoric petroglyphs 2

The known rock art comprises around 300,000 petroglyphs, although hundreds of decorated rocks probably remain buried. The art was first pointed out by a shepherd in 1914, but serious study really began decades later. This was the first rock art in Europe to be named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The major set of decorated rock surfaces that is arranged for public visitation, with walkways, etc., is that of Naquane (another part of this site).

Prehistoric petroglyphs 3

Prehistoric petroglyphs 4

Prehistoric petroglyphs 5

Prehistoric petroglyphs 6
Photos bernat.ersamus

Prehistoric petroglyphs 7

Each year over 200,000 people come to visit this site from around the world. It is believed that this specific engraving was created during the Copper Age, between 2400 – 2200 BC.

Prehistoric petroglyphs 8
Photos paula moya

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