Amazon rock art dubbed 'Sistine Chapel of the ancients' with 12,500-year-old paintings

A massive rock face in the Colombian Amazon, dubbed the 'Sistine Chapel of the ancients,' is covered with approximately 100,000 prehistoric paintings dating back 12,500 years. Discovered in 2019 but publicized only in December 2020 after Channel 4 documented the archaeological campaign, the site is located in the Serranía de la Lindosa, south of San José del Guaviare. The paintings, stretching about 8 miles, depict fish, turtles, lizards, birds, and human figures dancing or wearing masks, likely linked to rituals. Some figures are so high that drones were used to capture them. Archaeologist José Iriarte of the University of Exeter suggests the images show humans worshiping large animals, reflecting Amazonian beliefs in souls of animals and plants. The area was previously off-limits due to conflict, and access still requires negotiations with local narcos. Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi notes that many treasures await discovery, but diplomatic work is needed.