Thousands of years ago, the Sahara Desert was not the arid, sandy land it is today, but a lush green oasis.
Depiction of two people swimming or paddling on a rock face. (Photo: John Zada).
In 1926, this remote area was mapped by European cartographer László Almásy, who unexpectedly discovered two “shallow caves adjacent to each other” adorned with hundreds of rock paintings depicting animals and humans, including handprints made by someone, according to the British Museum.
However, one particular painting stands out to researchers. It is a depiction of two figures with arms and legs spread wide as if swimming.
Many researchers believe this painting provides a glimpse into daily life in the region before it transformed into a desert. However, some argue that these images may be more metaphorical.
According to the Bradshaw Foundation, this artwork gained mainstream cultural significance when it appeared in Michael Ondaatje’s book “The English Patient” (McClelland & Stewart Inc, 1992) and later in the film of the same name in 1996.
