Ancient Rock Art Reveals Sahara's Lush Past
Newly discovered rock art in Sudan's Eastern Desert depicts a verdant Sahara, challenging current perceptions of the region.
- Archaeologists uncover 16 new rock art sites in Sudan, dating back 4,000 years, featuring cattle and lush landscapes.
- The artwork suggests the Sahara was once a grassy savannah, contradicting its present arid state.
- Evidence from the art supports the 'African humid period' theory, indicating a wetter climate due to increased monsoon rains.
- Following the humid period, drastic climate change led to the desertification of the Sahara around 3000 BCE.
- The decline in rainfall had profound effects on local populations, shifting from cattle to smaller livestock due to survival needs.