Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya)
ماتندوس · Mathendous N Panel
Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)·Palaeolithic to Iron Age·🇱🇾 Fezzan, Wadi Mathendous, Libya
Unknown 1st century CE Roman artist; Photo courtesy of Annette Haug · Public domain
About
About Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya)
Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya) in Fezzan, Wadi Mathendous, Libya is a Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE) rock art attributed to Palaeolithic to Iron Age. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions panel 8.5 m × 3.2 m; shelter 28 m wide × 12 m deep; area 2.4 ha. Excavation excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Palaeolithic to Iron Age rock-art with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 600 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and labor organization
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Ritual landscape model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 15000 BCE
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Palaeolithic to Iron Age
- Purpose
- Rock art panel and ritual gallery
- Rediscovered
- 2007
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 15000 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 824 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1898
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
c. 1411 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
24.9000° N · 11.6000° E · 600 m · 4 mapped features
- Main Painted PanelpanelMain Painted Panel at Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya) — panel with stratified deposits24.8980° N · 11.5989° E
- Upper Gallery NichegalleryUpper Gallery Niche at Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya) — gallery with stratified deposits24.9025° N · 11.5987° E
- Ancillary Engraving ClusterengravingAncillary Engraving Cluster at Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya) — engraving with stratified deposits24.8985° N · 11.5988° E
- Rock Fall BoulderboulderRock Fall Boulder at Wadi Mathendous — Ancillary Panel North (Messak, Libya) — boulder with stratified deposits24.8980° N · 11.5998° E
Gallery