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A new archaeological site has been declared in South Sinai, at the Umm Arak Plateau – about 5km (3 miles) north-east of the Serabit el-Khadim temple and the copper and turquoise mining areas. An Egyptian mission discovered a large number of rock-art images, created in a range of styles and techniques. These were carved on the ceiling of a 100-metre-long (330 feet) sandstone rock shelter running along the eastern edge of the plateau.
The shelter extends back into the rock for some 2 or 3 metres (6-10 feet), with the ceiling height measuring up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) in places.
The site overlooks a vast open area that extends north to the Tih Plateau, making it a strategic observation point. Stone partitions, remnants of fire layers, flint tools, pottery fragments, and a large amount of animal droppings suggest the shelter was used by people and their livestock for thousands of years. The oldest group of images date back to c.10000-5000 BC, with depictions of animals and hunting scenes painted in red. Other scenes depicting camels, and horses ridden by armed figures, are accompanied by Nabataean and Arab inscriptions, showing the site continued to be used into the early Islamic Period and beyond.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / Image: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
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