Wadi Mathendous
Libya

Wadi Mathendous

Neolithic rock art with chiseled animals.

Location

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Historical Context

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.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileMathendous_elephant.jpg
FileMathendous_fighting_cats.jpg
FileMathendous_giraffes.jpg
Temporal Epochs

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Neolithic rock art creation

circa 6000 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Artistic and Decorative Features

PetroglyphsCave Paintings
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Libya

Coordinates

25.76° N, 12.17° E