Cave of the Beasts

The Cave of the Beasts is a natural limestone cave in Egypt with roughly 5000 rock paintings covering its walls. The images show human figures and various animal species that were painted by the earliest inhabitants of this region.

The cave dates to the sixth millennium before common era, when this region was grassland with rich animal life. This period marks a shift in how early people lived and documented themselves through their artwork.

The paintings show how ancient inhabitants recorded their hunting and daily activities on the stone walls. They reveal the social practices and relationship that early people maintained with the animals around them.

The site lies in a desert area and requires preparation for a visit. It is important to arrange access with local authorities and prepare suitable equipment and transport for desert travel.

The cave holds the largest collection of Neolithic hand stencils found in North Africa, made with red ochre on multiple wall sections. These handprints offer a direct personal connection to the people who stood at this location thousands of years ago.