Britain's earliest prehistoric art found in beauty spot cave
Archaeologists have confirmed that red stripes found in a Welsh cave are the oldest prehistoric art in Britain, dating back at least 17,100 years. Once dismissed as natural markings, the discovery provides new insight into the communication systems of hunter-gatherers during the last Ice Age.
Why it matters
This discovery pushes back the timeline of human artistic expression in Britain and offers a rare glimpse into the cognitive and social lives of early European populations.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Anna Lewis and Neil Prior , BBC Wales George Nash The rock art was first discovered in 1912 (left) before being dismissed years later as a natural phenomenon Painted rock art discovered in a Welsh cave has been confirmed to be the oldest in Britain.
The article is a scientific report based on archaeological findings and expert commentary.
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