19 Most Famous Prehistoric Cave Paintings

Magura Cave, Bulgaria
Magura Cave, Bulgaria

History can be known from various sources. Ancient monuments, buildings, architecture, art everything is helping humans to learn more and more about the past. Earlier paintings, engravings, and rock art were Adamgarh formed by the inhabitants which are still present. Here is the list of the 19 most famous prehistoric cave paintings in the world.

Prehistoric Cave Paintings

1. Magura Cave, Bulgaria

Also renowned as the Rabisha Cave, Magura Cave is one of the most attractive places in Bulgaria spreading over an area of 28600 square meters. Along with lighting, steps, and pathways, various bats are also present inside this cave. Built nearly 15 million years ago with multiple doorways, Magura Cave is also a major site for artists to perform their performances. 

Because of the presence of various wonderful and ancient paintings of space bodies, tools, humans, varying shapes, and various other creatures, Magura Cave is one of the most famous visiting sites in Bulgaria. Thrilling paintings from different periods of human activities of dancing, hunting, individuals with masks, and also sketches of different animals, and stars are carved all around this cave. 

Also Read: Top 10 Most Amazing Pyramids in Mexico

Magura Cave, Bulgaria
Magura Cave, Bulgaria

Image Source: Plamen Stoev

2. Cueva Des La Manos, Argentina

Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999, Cueva Des La Manos is one of the most ancient architectural caves in Argentina. Along with beautiful rock art, various hand prints and multi-colored paintings are the main centers of attraction. Because of various rock art of hand models inside this cave, it is also known as the ‘Cave of the Hands.

By the presence of more stencils of left hands, it was concluded that the paintings must be made by holding the sprayer in the right hand and keeping the left hand as a base. Usage of colors like red, white, black, purple, and yellow in hand models, models of human hunting, and different animals, depicts the beautiful architecture, culture, and human customs of that time. 

Also Read: Top 10 Oldest Buildings in the World

Cueva Des La Manos, Argentina
Cueva Des La Manos, Argentina

Image Source: Wikimedia

3. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, India

Found in 1957, Bhimbetka cave is present in Madhya Pradesh of India and is best known for containing primeval art of Indian civilization. Paintings printed on the uneven rocks of caves provide knowledge about the life of people at that time and so UNESCO added Bhimbetka to the record World Heritage Site in 2003.

Various beautiful paintings representing the clothing, hunting and agricultural routine, traditions, victories, fear, and common activities of the residents are present inside this cave. With the use of colors like red, green, orange, yellow, and white, most of the paintings were present at a certain height mostly on ceilings to preserve them from damage. Though now the color of those bright paintings has got dull still it is a must-visit place to learn about early customs and life. 

Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Greek Temples

Bhimbetka rock shelters, India
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, India

Image Source: Wikipedia

4. Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil

Located in the North Eastern part of Brazil, Serra De Capivera is a national park of over 129140 hectares of land and was known in 1979. Included as a World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991, this park is a great place for preserving its history and being a cave shelter. With rock dwellings and walls adorned with almost 25000 years old paintings, this park is well-known for having around 300 archaeological places, the largest and the earliest prehistoric park with utmost beauty and pleasant atmosphere. Moreover, this place gives a complete review of the lives of natives, plants, animals, and wildlife. 

Also Read: Top 10 Oldest Temples In The World

Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil
Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil

Image Source: Wikimedia

5. Laas Geel, Somalia

Among various wonderful caves of Africa, Laas Geel is one of them which indicates “source of water for camels”. Though this cave is not well-known and is undervalued, it contains some of the oldest prehistoric paintings. With the usage of red, yellow, orange, and a little black and white, around 350 paintings of tribal, local, and animal demonstrations are present on the walls and ceilings of nearly 20 rock shelters. Presenting different sights of humans doing various tasks, traditional outfits, and also house-trained animals, the cave paintings are must must-watch. 

Laas Geel, Somalia
Laas Geel, Somalia

Image Source: Wikimedia

6.Tadrart Acacus, Libya

Located in the Sahara Desert of Libya, Tadrart Acacus was included as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Containing thousands of paintings from 12000 BC to 100 AD, Tadrart Acacus provides a lot of information about the culture and lifestyle of the Saharan empire.

Based on the structure of various animals like elephants, ostriches, giraffes, camels, horses, and also human structures performing various tasks like dancing, singing, and more, distinct paintings and engravings are present inside this cave. With beautiful sceneries depicting natural, wildfire, and climatic changes in the region, this place has become a major tourist spot. 

Also Read: 10 Mysterious Underwater Cities Of The Ancient World

Tadrart Acacus, Libya
Tadrart Acacus, Libya

Image Source: Wikimedia

7. Chauvet Cave, France

Found in 1994 on 18 December with a length of 1300 feet, Chauvet Cave is present in France. th most unique feature of the paintings there is that they represent the attitude, behavior, and lifestyle along with figures. Along with 35,000-year-old paintings, remains of various animals and traces of both humans and animals many of which are now extinct were also found there.

Paintings of nearly 13 animal species with some extinct species and partial human figures or a mix of female and bison bodies are present there. Most of the paintings and engravings have red and black colors and this place is a major primeval site. 

Chauvet Cave, France
Chauvet Cave, France

Image Source: Wikimedia

8. Kakadu Rock Paintings, Australia

Included in the World Heritage Site, Kakadu is a major national park of Australia and is well-known for its ancient rock art. Spreading over 200002 kilometers, it is a dwelling for almost 280 birds and 2000 plant species. Having nearly 5000 distinct places, Kakadu National Park has 20000-year-old paintings in it. Providing an overview of human doings, animal skulls, and skeleton pictures, it has various ancient cave paintings. 

Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Monuments Of Ancient Egypt

Kakadu Rock Paintings, Australia
Kakadu Rock Paintings, Australia

Image Source: Geoff Whalan

9. Altamira cave, Spain

Having a lot of precious and historic cave paintings, the Altamira cave of Spain was included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Found in 1868, around 20000 years old paintings are present inside this 971 feet long cave.

Various engraved and painted designs of distinct animals like deer, bison, and horses; left and right-hand prints, mask formation, patterns from dots, and theoretical shapes are present in black, violet, and red color not only on walls but also on the ceilings of the cave. Along with that diverse things like knives, axes, flint pieces, ashes, animal bones, horns, fauna, and dyes were also found at the doorway of the cave. 

Situated near Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Northern Spain, approximately 30 km west of Santander, the remarkable Altamira caves were stumbled upon by chance in 1868 by a hunter named Modesto Cubillas. However, it wasn’t until 1875 that they were properly explored by Marcellino Sanz de Santuola, a nobleman from Santander. The true marvels within, the cave paintings, were discovered by his daughter, Maria de Santuola, in 1879. Unfortunately, the authenticity of these astonishingly well-preserved paintings was initially doubted by specialists. Tragically, Marcellino Sanz de Santuola passed away before the paintings were officially recognized as genuine.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful Lost Cities

Altamira cave, Spain
Altamira cave, Spain

Image Source: Wikimedia

10. Lascaux paintings, France

Found in 1940 by 18 years 18-year-old boy, Lascaux Cave is one of the most renowned caves for preserving nearly 17,000-year-old rock art pieces and is situated in France. This 16-foot-high and 66-foot-wide cave has nearly 1500 impressions carved in rocks and 600 paintings.

With the theme of different patterns, symbols, human representations, and animal figures mainly including equines, stags, cattle, and bison along with some birds, bears, and rhinos, the paintings are well decorating the walls of the cave. Having astonishing paintings and engravings in black, violet, red, yellow, and brown colors, Lascaux Cave is present on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979. 

Also Read: Top 10 Best And Most Popular Historical Periods

Lascaux paintings, France
Lascaux paintings, France

Image Source: Wikipedia

11. Badami Caves

Renowned for its impressive collection of temples, the Badami region in Karnataka is a treasure trove. Dating back to the 6th century, these caves served as the inspiration for the magnificent shore temple of Mahabalipuram. The mural paintings within draw inspiration from Hindu mythologies, depicting not only Hindu deities like Lord Shiva and Parvati but also narratives from Buddhism and Jainism. Among the caves, Cave 1 stands as the oldest, adorned with ceiling paintings showcasing Lord Shiva and Parvati surrounded by coiled serpents. A short journey from Badami leads to Aihole, where the Ravana Phadi captivates visitors with ancient religious paintings, adding to the historical allure of the region.

Badami Caves
Badami Caves

Image Source: Wikimedia

12. Ajanta Cave Paintings

Buddhism originated in India, and the Ajanta Caves, about 100 km from Aurangabad, stand as evidence of its roots. These caves predominantly showcase the influence of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The life of Buddha unfolds through numerous portraits, illustrations, and decorative representations found within. The artwork in Ajanta not only serves as a testament to the historical development of Buddhism in the Indian context but also provides a vivid narrative of Buddha’s life. The proximity of these caves to Aurangabad makes them a significant site for those seeking to explore the rich history and artistic expressions of Buddhism.

Ajanta Cave Paintings
Ajanta Cave Paintings

Image Source: Wikimedia

13. Cosquer Cave Paintings

Situated near Marseille, France, in the Calanque de Morgiou, not far from Cap Morgiou, the Cosquer cave was discovered by Henri Cosquer in 1991. Remarkably, its entrance is now underwater. Accessible through a 175-meter-long tunnel, the entrance lies 37 meters below sea level. Today, visitors can explore this cave by navigating the submerged entrance, providing a unique and fascinating experience. The underwater entrance adds an extra layer of intrigue to the cave’s discovery and exploration, making it a notable site for those interested in the natural wonders found beneath the sea along the coast of Marseille.

Cosquer Cave Paintings
Cosquer Cave Paintings

Image Source: Wikimedia

14. Jogimara Caves

Situated in Chhattisgarh, this cave, along with the SitaBengra cave, holds significant appeal for tourists. Dating back to the 1st century BC, it stands as one of the oldest cave painting sites in India. The artwork extends beyond religious themes, featuring depictions of dancing humans, elements of nature, and more. In a departure from modern techniques, prehistoric cave paintings here were crafted using natural objects to apply colors to the cave walls. The process involved carving rocks with sharp tools or spears, with various materials like berries, charcoal, clay, and soot utilized for coloring. Items like straw, leaves, moss, hair, and sticks were employed for drawing.

Jogimara Caves
Jogimara Caves

Image Source: Wikimedia

15. Font de Gaume Cave Paintings

Around 25,000 BC, prehistoric communities in the Dordogne Valley established their initial settlement at the entrance of Font de Gaume. Over the next few millennia, the cave mouth continued to be inhabited, though intermittently. Following the departure of the original prehistoric dwellers, the cave slipped into obscurity for several centuries. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that residents rediscovered and started visiting the cave once again. This interest in Font de Gaume marked a revival of attention to the site, uncovering its historical significance and reconnecting people with the prehistoric legacy of the Dordogne Valley.

Font de Gaume Cave Paintings
Font de Gaume Cave Paintings

Image Source: Wikimedia

16. Lenyadri Caves Painting

Tucked away as a hidden paradise for cave paintings, this cave group comprises 40 distinct caves, with several showcasing unique Buddhist paintings. In Maharashtra, these caves once thrived as Buddhist temples until the 3rd century BC. In the 19th century, some were transformed into Hindu caves, featuring a blend of simple-styled paintings with remnants of their original Buddhist art. The historical journey of these caves reflects a transition in religious influences over the centuries, preserving a tapestry of both Buddhist and Hindu cultural expressions within the rock walls of Maharashtra’s caves.

Lenyadri Caves Painting
Lenyadri Caves Painting

Image Source: Wikimedia

17. Ellora Cave Paintings

Located just 18 miles from Aurangabad, the Ellora Caves are situated among the Chamadari Hills. Within these five caves, paintings showcase the dominance of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Another section illustrates the procession of Apsaras and Shaivas. The art within these caves reflects the rich cultural and religious history, portraying the grandeur of deities and divine themes. The proximity to Aurangabad adds to the accessibility of these caves, making them an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring the intricacies of Hindu mythology and art.

Ellora Cave Paintings
Ellora Cave Paintings

Image Source: Wikimedia

18. Elephanta Cave Paintings

Situated on the Elephanta Islands of Maharashtra, these caves boast intricate paintings dating back to the 8th century. The level of detail in these artworks is truly impressive. Presently, many individuals opt for ferry rides from Mumbai’s coast to access this island. Following a short trek, visitors can explore caves adorned with vibrant paintings. Originally, the caves were coated with plaster as a canvas for the artwork, but only fragments of these paintings endure today. Maharashtra hosts other noteworthy cave paintings, including those in Bhaja, Kanheri, Karsamble, Kuda, and various others, each contributing to the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Elephanta Cave Paintings
Elephanta Cave Paintings

Image Source: Wikimedia

19. Adamgarh Hills

Found in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, this hill features ancient cave paintings dating back to the Paleolithic period. The region, abundant with sandstones and dense forests, was strategically advantageous for human habitation. The cave walls are adorned with numerous paintings, serving as symbolic representations of their daily lifestyle. These ancient artworks offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this region, capturing the essence of their existence through intricate depictions on the walls of the caves.

Adamgarh Hills
Adamgarh Hills

Image Source: Wikimedia

This is the list of 19 most famous prehistoric cave paintings in the world. Kindly share and post your comments.

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