9,000-Year-Old Rock Art Suggests Humans Encountered Dinosaur Footprints

A new study in Brazil provides evidence that humans living approximately 9,000 years ago interacted with dinosaur footprints. Researchers suggest that petroglyphs (rock carvings) etched into rock surfaces are closely associated with dinosaur footprints, indicating that early humans may have drawn inspiration from these traces.

The Relationship Between Dinosaur Footprints and Petroglyphs

The research was conducted in a rural area called Serrote do Letreiro in eastern Brazil. This region is known for preserving dinosaur footprints from millions of years ago. Researchers found a “remarkable collection” here, containing both dinosaur footprints and petroglyphs.

The team emphasizes that it is rare to find petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints together in the same excavation area. Researchers state, “Although the proximity of fossil and rock art formations has been found before, an area where they are literally side by side has never been identified.”

Inspiration from Dinosaur Footprints?

Researchers suggest that there is a close relationship between the petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints, indicating that the artworks created by the local people thousands of years ago were likely inspired by the footprints. The abundance of carvings near the footprints clearly demonstrates this relationship.

Significance of the Research

This research provides important insights into the interaction of early humans with their environment. It is believed that dinosaur footprints were not just mere traces for the people living at that time but also a source of inspiration. This offers new perspectives on the artistic and cultural development of early humans.

Details of the Research

The research was conducted in the Serrote do Letreiro region of Brazil. Both dinosaur footprints and petroglyphs were found in the region. It is believed that the petroglyphs were inspired by the dinosaur footprints. The research provides new information about the interaction of early humans with their environment.

This research is considered an important discovery that sheds light on the early periods of human history and artistic development.

Troiano, LP, dos Santos, HB, Aureliano, T. et al. A remarkable assemblage of petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints in northeastern Brazil. Sci Rep 14, 6528 (2024).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56479-3

Cover Image Credit: Journal Scientific Reports