In a cave nearly untouched by human footprints in northern Spain, archaeologists have discovered sculptures and paintings from the Paleolithic period, dating back approximately 26,000 to 10,000 years ago. They also unearthed fossil remains of wild animals that closely resemble those depicted in the paintings. According to the research of biologists, these animals are mostly rare and unusual species from ancient times, some of which are now extinct in Europe.
The murals painted on the ceiling and four walls of this cave are strikingly similar to those found in cathedrals. As a result, this site is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art.” Some of the artworks not only depict realistic images but also convey the sensitivity and soul of highly skilled artists. One cave in Altamira features a ceiling measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, showcasing 16 vividly lifelike animals, some clawing at the ground, others roaring in anger, some lying down, and others fatally wounded by long spears. All of these scenes express the anguish of death. Surrounding the roaring animals, the artists of that era also painted a horse, a herd of wild boars, a wolf, and a doe. Many species depicted here are still familiar to us today, such as horses, wild buffalo, wild boars, and spotted deer; however, some species are completely unknown to us. The painting techniques of these artists are fundamentally intricate, and even today, their artistry remains at a remarkably high level. What remains inexplicable is how the clothing and adornments of the figures depicted in the murals resemble those of modern humans.
In 1912, on Brandepierg Mountain in Namibia, southwestern Africa, a prehistoric mural depicting primitive animals included a striking image of a white lady. This lady is depicted wearing a short-sleeved shirt and form-fitting riding pants; she is also wearing gloves and canvas shoes, with garters holding up her stockings. Standing next to her is a figure wearing a complex mask and iron helmet. The character wearing the mauve shirt in the prehistoric Lusajac painting has been identified by archaeologists as a genuine product of France. Meanwhile, a figure in a rock painting in Arnhem, Australia, is even shown wearing a spacesuit with a zipper, topped with a helmet adorned with antenna-like tassels and small observation holes. Another rock painting in Phang Nga, southern Thailand, depicts a robot wearing a helmet, dressed in clothing, equipped with a breathing filter, and carrying a flashlight on its belly. Could this be a sacred directive from humanity’s first ancestors, commanding us to create such garments? Or is there some miraculous force that helped our ancestors transcend both space and time? Is it possible that during primitive times, when humans lived in caves, they possessed such vivid imaginations to create clothing for generations thousands or tens of thousands of years ahead?
In 1998, one scholar, based on research by archaeologists and anthropologists, stated that humanity has existed for over 4 million years, while the Earth formed around 4.5 billion years ago. Approximately 2 billion years ago, a highly advanced civilization appeared on Earth. Due to catastrophic events and natural changes over hundreds of millions of years, this civilization eventually became a mere remnant. Some theorists suggest that the Earth underwent formations 500 million, 350 million, 230 million, 100 million, and finally 65 million years ago, culminating in a catastrophic event that completely destroyed civilizations of that era. Each civilization appears to have experienced interruptions. The current civilization is separated from the previous one by about 12,000 to 10,000 years BC. If multiple levels of civilization have existed on Earth, today’s archaeological techniques and methods still cannot pinpoint their exact nature. Thus, it is challenging to resolve the ongoing debates among researchers.
The layers upon layers of prehistoric artifacts leave us bewildered regarding the gradual development from lower to higher levels of human civilization. The traditional view of evolution and the upward progression of human civilization presents a challenge for scientists. We hope that, alongside advancements in science and technology, the methods and techniques of archaeology will also evolve significantly, allowing archaeologists to uncover and clarify the mysteries that remain unanswered.
