Rock art dating back 28,000-40,000 years has been discovered in caves in France and Spain, reaching a high point during the Magdalenian Period between 12,000-17,000 years ago. Some of the most significant caves containing prehistoric paintings include Chauvet Cave in France with over 300 paintings, Lascaux Cave in France containing over 2000 images across seven chambers, and Altamira Cave in Spain known as the "Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art." Theories suggest the paintings were used for hunting magic or part of the rituals of Paleolithic shamans.

2. Age Rock Painting
Discovering Prehistoric Art

3. •Started during the
Aurignacian
Period but reached
a high point
during
Magdalenian
Period.
cave
ceiling
Cave
walls

4. • 28,000-40,000 years ago
• An upper paleolithic stone tool tradition

5. • 12,000-17,000 years ago
• One of the later cultures of Upper Paleolithic in
Western Europe.

6. Theories:
•Hunting
magic
•Paleolithic
shamans

9. Cave water
Animal fats
Veggie juice
blood
urine

10. Chauvet Cave in France
•Two main parts:
RED paintings
and BLACK ones.
•Discovered in
1994
•300 paintings

11. Chauvet Cave in France
HORSEPANEL
LIONS AND RHINOCEROS

12. Lascaux Cave in France
•7 Chambers
•2000 painted
images
•Discovered in
1940

13. Lascaux Cave in France
Halls of Bulls

14. Halls of Bulls

15. Lateral Passage

16. Shaft of the Dead Man

17. Engraved Stag

18. Black Cow Panel

19. Chamber of Felines

20. Altamira Cave in Spain
•Discovered
1879
•“Sistine Chapel
of Paleolithic
Art”

21. Altmira Cave in France
Painted ceiling Sistine Chapel