Stone carvings in Valcamonia - Italy

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized stone carvings in Italy's Valcamonia as a World Cultural Heritage in 1979.

Stone carvings in Valcamonia - World Cultural Heritage in Italy

Valcamonia is a valley in the Lombardia region, between Brescia province and Bergama province of Italy (Italy). This valley is located in the upper reaches of the Oglia River .

In the valley there is a complex of stone carvings . With about 140,000 stone carvings, this is considered the place with the largest stone carvings in Europe.

These stone carvings were made by residents of the Camunni tribe thousands of years ago. Scientists and archaeologists said these carvings were formed during the 8,000 years from this generation of the other generation. Of the more than 140,000 carvings here, the content and theme are mainly images depicting hunting scenes, ancient rituals, pictures of wars between tribes, scenes of daily life .

The drawings of the first period were very simple, primitive and rustic.

These stone carvings were forgotten for quite a long time until 1909, when a geographer from Brescia province accidentally discovered. In one of his expeditions, he found the first two carvings carved on two large stone cremation near Cemmo. After this discovery, he continued his search and discovered the cave with hundreds of thousands of stone carvings of more than 8,000 years old.

140,000 stone carvings in Valcamonia are engraved on about 2,400 large and small stone burials. More than 2,000 stones are scattered throughout Valcamonia valley . The most carved place is the bottom of the valley between Concarena and Pizzo Badile Camuno.

The carvings in the later period have been more detailed and specific, the content that can be shown on the carvings is also richer.

With more than 8000 years of age, the stone carvings in Valcamonia valley explain and are a true illustration of psychology, living, and life, as well as the struggles of prehistoric people. Through these engravings, scientists have proved a connection, a type of community activity of prehistoric people still preserved today.

The first inscriptions appeared from about 8,000 BC, these still very primitive, rustic. Scenes depicted mainly as scenes of daily life and activities. In the period of 3000-2000 BC, the carvings were more sophisticated, carved images despite being still living scenes, but more detailed and specific. The etiquette began to describe the customs, religious rituals, and territorial wars. At this time, the carvings were engraved with both carriages and complicated weapons. After this period, the engravings began to fade and slowly sink into oblivion.

Over 140,000 carvings in Valcamoica are engraved on about 2,400 large and small rocks scattered throughout the valley.

Stone carvings in Valcamonia are recognized by Unesco according to the criteria (iii) and (vi).

Criterion (iii): Stone carvings in Valcamonia dating back more than 8000 years, are invaluable assets of humans and are proof of authenticity for an ancient period.

Criterion (vi): With over 140,000 inscriptions engraved on 2,400 rocks, stone carvings in Valcamonia are an important set of materials for scientists to study and study fine customs and life. god of prehistoric humans. The systematic interpretation and classification of carvings over time has made great contributions to the drawing of a history and culture of prehistoric tribes.

So far, this valley area with stone carvings in Valcamonia still receives great attention from scientists, historians and is an especially important area for those who study life of prehistoric people.