In eastern Sudan, in the arid and rugged Sahara Desert region known as Atbai, archaeologists made a surprising discovery during their 2018 and 2019 expeditions that takes us thousands of years back in time. Now, a cow painting among 16 rock art pieces in the Sahara Desert has revealed one of the mysteries of the past. Here are the details…
Scientific explanation for the cow painting in the Sahara Desert
Archaeologists found rock paintings, almost all depicting cattle, in one of the driest areas of the Sahara Desert, such as Wadi Halfa. The most striking of these images is a painting of a cow and, likely next to it, a human figure holding a milk container. This scene indicates the presence of cattle-raising communities in the region.
This discovery reveals that the Sahara Desert, now arid and barren, was once a savannah filled with water sources, swamps, and rivers thousands of years ago. These findings help us understand the past climate and geography of the region.
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With these discoveries, archaeologists note that the Sahara Desert was once a suitable habitat for animals and hosted significant biodiversity. Moreover, these artistic finds illuminate the interactions of ancient humans with animals and their daily life practices.
According to scientists, these findings belong to a period known as Africa’s Wet Phase, which started about 15,000 years ago. During this time, the Sahara Desert came alive with heavy summer rains, filling it with large lakes and rivers. However, this period ended around 3000 BC, and the region became covered with sands again. People migrated towards the more fertile shores of the Nile River to survive.
The discovery of these rock paintings in the Sahara Desert is incredibly significant, revealing the environmental conditions thousands of years ago and how people lived in this environment. The cow painting tells us that the Sahara was not just a barren desert but also a vibrant ecosystem that hosted life and was utilized by humans.
These rock paintings open a window into the mysterious past, making it possible to reimagine the green, lively days of the Sahara. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your comments below.
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