Gobustan, located about 60 kilometers southwest of Baku in Azerbaijan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkable petroglyphs. These ancient stone carvings provide unique insight into the lives of people who lived in the region from the Upper Paleolithic (Stone Age) to the Middle Ages.
What are the petroglyphs of Gobustan?
Size and timeline: The site contains more than 6,000 petroglyphs, spanning a period of over 40,000 years. This makes it one of the world's most important rock art sites.
Subjects and motifs: The carvings depict a variety of scenes, including:
People: Hunting scenes, ritual dances, warriors with spears, and images of men and women.
Animals: The animal depictions vary depending on the period and demonstrate how hunting themes changed with climate. Animals such as goats, deer, wild boars and horses are common.