Cave Paintings and Human History

Archaeologists Anna Roosevelt and Chris Davis explore the Caverna da Pedra Pintada in the Amazon, uncovering evidence that challenges the traditional view of human settlement in the Americas. The cave's art and artifacts suggest people lived in the Amazon 13,000 years ago, much earlier than previously thought. This discovery rewrites history, showing that early Americans were not just hunters but also artists and foragers.

What is the significance of the Caverna da Pedra Pintada?

• It is a site for scientific experiments.

• It is a modern art gallery.

• It is a natural wonder with no human influence.

• It contains ancient paintings that provide evidence of early human life.

What do the local people believe the round objects in the cave paintings represent?

• Stars

• Planets

• Suns or moons

• Comets

What was the traditional view of how people first arrived in the Americas?

• By walking from Europe

• By migrating from Africa

• By sailing across the Atlantic Ocean

• By crossing a frozen land bridge from Asia to Alaska

How does the discovery in the Cave of the Painted Rock change our understanding of human history in the Americas?

• It suggests humans arrived much later than previously thought.

• It confirms the traditional migration theory.

• It shows humans were in the Amazon 13,000 years ago, earlier than previously believed.

• It indicates humans never lived in the Amazon.

What types of activities were the early inhabitants of the Amazon involved in, according to the cave findings?

• Farming and trading

• Only hunting

• Building large cities

• Foraging, fishing, and creating art