Concept in Definition ABC

A petroglyph is an image engraved by man on a stone. The petroglyph is a He drew or a representation and can be done through different techniques (scratching, pitting, incision or wear). As for the tools used, sticks, sharp stones or animal bones stand out.

Petroglyphs can be found anywhere on the planet and most are thousands of years old.

Regarding the word petroglyph, it comes from the Greek and is formed by the word petro, which means stone and by glyfo, which means recording.

The meaning of the petroglyphs

The scholars of these curious stones with enigmatic symbols and drawings coincide in considering them a form of communication primitive. Petroglyphs are generally believed to have been a way men used to tell their stories, to leave a testimony of their existence, or to record specific events. In any case, the images that appear communicate ideas without the need for words or other forms of communication.

Although there is an agreement on the general idea of ​​these engraved stones, the meaning of the representations that appear is not known with absolute certainty.

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Some researchers argue that it is a mixture of art prehistoric, language Y spirituality. If we think of art, the petroglyph must be located as a form of expression of rock art (Rupestrian comes from the Latin rupe which means rock). Regarding language, it must be borne in mind that prehistoric man did not know the writing hieroglyphic and much less alphabetical. With regard to spirituality, the man of prehistory already had a sense of transcendence and could logically ask questions that went beyond his daily life. Thus, it is plausible to say that the aspect artistic, the communicative and the spiritual give an explanation about the petroglyphs.

The role of aliens

When the authentic explanation of a fact is not known, it is very likely that an alternative explanation will be provided. In fact, the role of aliens is present in the world of the pyramids, in some stories (for example, that of Atlantis) or in the secrets of the rulers of the world. As the petroglyphs are largely a mystery, there are researchers who claim that the petroglyphs are related to the presence of aliens on our planet.

The theories that relate the petroglyphs with the beings of other planets are, without a doubt, attractive and suggestive. However, these types of explanations are rejected by the vast majority of paleontologists and other scientists who study the past of humanity.

Photos: iStock - alexeys / Kudryashka