Cave of Archers

The Cave of Archers, situated in the Gilf Kebir National Park, Egypt, is an archaeological site of significant interest due to its rock art. The cave, located on the south-eastern slopes of Gilf Kebir, features paintings that depict bowmen and a herd of bovines. These artworks date back to between 6300 BP and 5500 BP, aligning with the Neolithic period, when the region experienced the African humid period. This contrasts sharply with the current hyper-arid conditions. The cave's entrance is notably wide and tall, suggesting a prominent shelter in its time, although much of the sandstone has deteriorated, leaving only fragments of the original paintings. These depictions provide valuable insights into the social and environmental conditions of the era.