Cave of Altamira in Spain

In the Spanish province of Santander is the cave of Altamira, known for its unique rock carvings, which are located here. This place was opened in the 19th century. On the walls of the object were discovered amazing drawings made with ocher and other materials. This made it possible to draw quite a lot of conclusions about the life of people during the Paleolithic period.

Altamira Cave was a kind of catalyst, causing additional interest in this era. It is interesting that the painting is made with various materials, in connection with which it is multicolored. There are drawings made with charcoal, manganese oxide, ocher, etc. The length of the main hall is 18 meters. The walls and the ceiling depict mostly different animals: bison, boars, horses. All figures are filled with the necessary expression. For example, bison are portrayed as grazing, wounded, running.

However, experts note the lack of a common composition, so the cave drawings are superimposed on each other. Among other finds in Altamira, it is necessary to note rough-worked stones that could serve as an instrument of work for ancient people, animal remains, deer horns, etc. At one time a discovered painting was considered a fake. But in the 20th century, all doubts about the authenticity disappeared.

Altamira Cave stretches underground almost 400 meters. And in all its parts you can admire the drawings of ancient people. At the same time, in some corridors, as the guides tell, you can see the drawings left on the ceiling lying on your back.

For many years, excursions to the cave were not limited in any way. However, over time it was noticed that this negatively affects the rock paintings. Therefore now free access to Altamira is closed, and you can get here only by registering in advance (for several months). The ideal solution for the excursion will be accompanied by an experienced guide who knows everything about Spain, and such specialists are not so many.

Most often in the drawings, as already mentioned, there are bison, depicted in various angles. Interestingly, here you can see this animal next to others (wild boars or deer) because in life this is practically not found. Thanks to the excavation, two levels were discovered, rich in archaeological finds. The oldest of them belonged to ancient people, who lived about 19 thousand years ago. The second level became inhabited in a later period. The items found here are more elegant and skilfully made. Harpoons were found for fishing, needles, scapula and others.

The cave of Altamira includes one of the rooms, the drawings in which are made only with the help of ocher. Archaeologists are still arguing about its purpose. In this room very low ceilings to admire the painting, you have to lie on your back. At the same time, no more than three people can be accommodated here. One of the versions of the purpose of this room is that this place was used to worship deities.

Not so long ago, near the cave was opened its exact copy, in which you can admire the ancient painting, without fear of spoiling it.