Rock art

Desert Fungi and Lichens Threaten Ancient Rock Art in Negev Desert

Discover how desert-loving fungi and lichens are threatening 5,000-year-old rock art in the Negev desert of southern Israel. Learn about the acids secreted by these organisms that can erode the ancient petroglyphs and the efforts needed to protect this cultural treasure for future generations.

Ancient Artists May Have Been Inspired by Preserved Dinosaur Footprints, New Discovery Suggests

A team of archaeologists and paleontologists in Brazil have discovered a connection between ancient petroglyphs and preserved dinosaur footprints, suggesting that the artwork may have been inspired by the footprints. The findings, reported in the journal Scientific Reports, reveal a rare occurrence in archaeological research and hint at the possibility that the ancient artists were using hallucinogens.