Mapa de Abauntz, Prehistoric cave art site in Ultzama Valley, Spain.
Mapa de Abauntz is a prehistoric cave site featuring engravings on stone blocks depicting mountains, rivers, and hunting areas from the Upper Paleolithic period. The carved surfaces show careful attention to geographical detail and natural features.
Archaeological excavations started in 1993 and uncovered stone blocks roughly 13,660 years old bearing early geographical depictions. This discovery marked a turning point in understanding Paleolithic artistic knowledge and spatial awareness.
The cave displays carvings of animals, human figures, and geometric patterns that show how Paleolithic communities saw and represented their world. These artworks reveal what mattered most to the people who lived here.
Visiting requires advance permission, and guided tours are limited to protect the ancient artworks from environmental damage. Booking ahead and following your guide's instructions carefully are essential steps for access.
The stone carvings show precise details of meandering rivers, tributaries, and mountain landscapes that match the actual geography surrounding the cave. This accuracy suggests early people possessed surprising spatial understanding and mapmaking skills.
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