With the help of a drone, a very valuable archaeological site with Neolithic cave paintings of 7000 years old has been discovered. The artworks were found in hard-to-access caves in Penáguila, in the interior of Alicante. Three archaeologists from the University of Alicante (UA) participated in this special project.
This is one of the first times that prehistoric cave paintings have been discovered through the use of a drone. The almost inaccessible mountain shelters could be studied after several days of preparation and opening up complex climbing routes.
How were the artworks found?
The drone was deployed in the area of Barranquet del Castellet-Barranc del Salt and Port de Penáguila to photograph 18 shallow shelters and record videos. The paintings have been discovered in two of these caves. The first results of this were published in one of the best journals of the archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, in issue XLII of “Lvcentvm”, in May 2023.
Of the caves discovered, the one in El Salt is particularly striking for the large number of painted figures in the Levantine style. These are mainly female anthropomorphic figures, as well as deer and goats, some of which have been wounded by arrows, and archers.
In addition, paintings have been found in a schematic style. These are more difficult to interpret, but just as important. Studying them will contribute to the understanding of the evolution of rock art in the area.
Archaeological value of the discovery
“The use of the drone has led to the discovery of a new site with prehistoric cave paintings in different styles, which we think will be very relevant for further research,” one of the archaeologists and the pilot of the drone told the Spanish news service EFE.
The results were achieved within a very short time in a geographical area that has long been known for its many prehistoric art sites. Scientists published about this in the 80s of the last century.