Location: Map
The Cave of Swimmers is situated in the South- Western part of Egypt
on the border with Libya on Gilf Kebir plateau. Cave of Swimmers was
re- discovered in October 1933 by Hungarian explorer László Almásy
this example of rock painting date back 12,000 years ago to the time
of Ice Age. Unlike today the climate in the region at the time was
much milder and richer in wild animals available for hunting. It
could be possible that the figures depicted on the cliffs of a small
cave might actually be depicting swimming since there were a lot
rivers and small lakes spread out on the plateau. Almásy devoted a
chapter in his book: "Unknown Sahara" and instantly the rock became
famous for its own good. Due to seclusion of the site there is no
way to stop or prevent vandalism from tourists. Some went as far as
washing the surface of the cave with wet clothes to get a better
picture, because it lasts longer. This barbarism in combination with
rough local climate led to appearance of multiple crevices in the
rock of Cave of Swimmers. To add insult to the injury some tourists
added graffiti to the prehistoric art.
If you curious why do
you have a feeling you saw Cave of Swimmers somewhere, the chances
are you did. It's copy made by modern artists was portrayed in the
movie: "The English Patient"