Roca dels Moros facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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The Dance of Cogul. Tracing by Henri Breuil.
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| Location | El Cogul, Garrigues, Province of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain |
| Part of | Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iii) |
| Inscription | 1998 (22nd Session) |
- Further information: Prehistoric Iberia
The Roca dels Moros (which means "Rock of the Moors") is a special rock shelter in El Cogul, Catalonia, Spain. It holds amazing paintings from a long, long time ago! These paintings are examples of Levantine rock art and Iberian schematic art.
Since 1998, these ancient artworks have been protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means they are important treasures for everyone in the world. People also found old writings here, called inscriptions, from Iberian and Roman times. These writings show that this place was used as a special sanctuary even back then.
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Discovering Ancient Art
The paintings at Roca dels Moros were found in 1908. A local village leader, Ramon Huguet, discovered them. He quickly shared his findings that same year.
Because of their importance, the paintings became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. This helps keep them safe for future generations. Besides the paintings, old writings were also found. These writings are in Northeastern Iberian script and Latin. They tell us that people used these caves as a special place or sanctuary during Iberian and Roman times.
The Famous Paintings of Cogul
At Roca dels Moros, you can see 45 different figures. Most of them, 38 to be exact, are painted in bright red, black, and dark red colors. Seven other figures are carved right into the stone.
The most famous painting shows a dance scene. It features nine women, which was quite new for cave paintings in Spain at that time. Some of these women are painted in black, and others are in red. Along with the women, there are also several animals painted on the rock.
People have different ideas about what these paintings mean. Some think the women might be celebrating something important. Others believe they could be women with a special social status gathering to socialize. They might even be showing friendship and affection towards each other, with their children nearby.
Keeping the Art Safe
People are working hard to protect these ancient paintings. The Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya helps with this important conservation work.
Now, there's a visitors center near the site. This center helps people learn about Roca dels Moros. It also connects Cogul to other similar rock art sites in Catalonia. This creates a "route of rock art" for visitors to explore.
The Saladar Tombs
Close to the painted caves, there is an ancient cemetery. It's called the Saladar tombs. These tombs are carved right into the rock.
Images for kids
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The visitors center
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Cave painting of women with animals
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Inscriptions in Iberian script and Iberian schematic paintings
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The Saladar tombs
See also
In Spanish: Roca de los Moros para niños
