Magharet el Kantara

Magharet el Kantara, also known as Shaw's Cave, is a significant archaeological site located in the Gilf Kebir National Park, Egypt. Discovered in 1935 by explorers Bill Kennedy Shaw and Rupert Harding Newman, this rock art shelter is situated on the south-western slopes of Gilf Kebir. The cave measures 4 meters in height and 15 meters in width, with rock paintings located about half a meter above the ground. These paintings depict a herd of cattle and a farmstead, providing a rare example of cattle paintings in this region. The artwork dates back to the Neolithic period, reflecting the African humid period's favorable climatic conditions, which were substantially different from today's arid environment. The site's rock art and environmental context offer valuable insights into the prehistoric life and climate of the region.