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Libya

Wadi Mathendous

Neolithic rock art with chiseled animals.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Wadi Mathendous is an archaeological site located in the Mesak Settafet escarpment in southwestern Libya's Fezzan region. Dating back to the Neolithic period, approximately 8,000 years ago, this site is renowned for its extensive collection of petroglyphs and rock art. The engravings depict a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, aurochs, wildcats, and crocodiles, reflecting a time when the Sahara was a much more lush and habitable environment. The site offers valuable insights into the prehistoric way of life and the fauna of the region during the Neolithic era. The site has gained recognition for its artistic significance and has even been commemorated on Libyan postage stamps, underlining its cultural importance.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Wadi Mathendous

FileMathendous_elephant.jpg
FileMathendous_fighting_cats.jpg
FileMathendous_giraffes.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Artistic and Decorative Features

PetroglyphsCave Paintings

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Libya
Source
Wikipedia