Rock Drawings in Valcamonica

The rock drawings in Valcamonica (Camonica Valley) are found in the Province of Brescia, Italy. They are the largest group of prehistoric pictures carved into stone in the whole world. In 1979, these amazing drawings were chosen as a special place by UNESCO, making them Italy's first World Heritage Site.

UNESCO has counted more than 140,000 pictures and symbols, but as people keep searching, they find even more. Now, there are between 200,000 and 300,000 carved pictures known. These drawings are spread all around the valley, but most are near the towns of Darfo Boario Terme, Capo di Ponte, Nadro, Cimbergo, and Paspardo.

These drawings show what life was like a very long time ago, helping us learn about the people who lived there.

Characteristics

Most of the rock drawings were made on flat rock surfaces that were exposed when a big glacier melted about 15,000 years ago.

Many drawings were made thousands of years before the Iron Age, and some were made much later, even up to the 1800s. The drawings often show scenes like religious rites, hunting, or battles. They were likely used in special ceremonies, both for religious and other important events. One famous symbol is the "Rosa camuna," which is now the symbol of the Lombardy region.

The historiated cycle: themes and periodization

In the 1960s, archaeologist Emmanuel Anati studied the rock carvings and created a timeline. He looked at the styles and types of symbols to connect them with history, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Val Camonica’s carvings are divided into several periods: Proto-Camunian, Camunian I, II, III, IV, and Post-Camunian (Roman, Medieval ages, and recent times).

The earliest carvings are from the epipaleolithic or Mesolithic period (8th-6th millennium BC), made by hunters following their animals. These drawings show large animals like deer and elk, often with spears hurting them.

During the Neolithic period (around 5500-3300 BC), farming began, and people settled down. Carvings from this time include human figures and shapes like rectangles and circles. Domestic animals like dogs, goats, and bulls also appear.

In the Copper Age (around 3300-2500 BC), new symbols showed up, like wheels, wagons, and early metal tools. Carvings included animals, weapons, and human figures, some very detailed.

The Bronze Age (around 2nd millennium BC) focused more on weapons and geometric shapes.

In the Iron Age (1st millennium BC), most carvings were made by the Camunni people. These show strong men with weapons, duels, cabins, labyrinths, and hunting scenes. A famous carving is the Bedolina Map.

During the Roman Age (~100 BC - ~500 AD), rock carving slowed down.

In the Middle Ages, carving started again with many Christian symbols like crosses, often added to older designs.

Discovery and evaluation

The first report about the engraved stones was made in 1909 by Walther Laeng, who showed two decorated boulders near Cemmo (Capo di Ponte) to a group that protects important old items. But it wasn't until the 1920s that scientists began to study these rocks more closely.

In the 1930s, scientists from many places started studying the rocks. After World War II, more scientists joined in to map and record the engravings. In 1955, work began to protect these special rocks. In 1956, Emmanuel Anati began exploring and found more engravings. His careful studies helped him write a book in 1960 about the people of Valcamonica. He also started a group for studying ancient times in 1964. The first meeting for scientists to share ideas happened in 1968.

After being named a special place by UNESCO in 1979, even more engravings were found and studied.

Parks of rock art

The rock drawings in Valcamonica are found in the Province of Brescia, Italy. They are the largest group of ancient rock carvings in the world. In 1979, these drawings were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them Italy's first such site. UNESCO has officially recognized over 140,000 pictures and symbols, but ongoing discoveries have raised the number of known carvings to between 200,000 and 300,000.