Emily Chan
The illustrations of cattle are key pieces of evidence supporting the idea that the Sahara used to be rich with swamps, grass, and watering holes.
Between approximately 15,000 years and 5,000 years ago, Africa experienced an increased amount of summer rainfall due to monsoons that occurred as a result of the way the Earth was orbiting around the sun at that time.
The rain transformed the Sahara into a land of grassy pastures and freshwater lakes that were home to numerous animal species.
When the wet period came to an end, the lakes and rivers started drying up. The area was replaced with sand, and many people moved closer to the Nile.
“The Atbai Desert around Wadi Halfa, where the new rock art was discovered, became almost completely depopulated. For those who remained, cattle were abandoned for sheep and goats,” Dr. Cooper said.
“This would have had major ramifications on all aspects of human life—from diet and limited milk supplies, migratory patterns of herding families, and the identity and livelihood of those who depended on their cattle.”
