Ancient Art

September 26, 2026

Researchers Reveal How Prehistoric Cave Art May Have Changed by Torchlight

When we look at prehistoric cave paintings today, we usually see them brightly illuminated or reproduced in photographs. But thousands of years ago, people would have experienced these artworks very differently. By the flickering light of a torch or small lamp, painted animals may have appeared to emerge from the stone, shift in the shadows, and even move.

Read Article

November 12, 2024

Archeologists Discover “Tiny Home” in Pompeii Filled With Well-Preserved Frescoes

Nearly 2,000 years after its destruction, Pompeii continues to surprise archeologists. The ancient port city, covered in ash during the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 CE, is filled with clues about life in ancient Rome. From bakeries and snack bars to richly painted houses, these glimpses into the past are critical to our understanding of history.

Read Article

July 4, 2024

51,000-Year-Old Cave Art in Indonesia Is the World’s Oldest Figurative Art

Researchers believe that they found the oldest example of figurative rock art in a cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The cave art depicting three humans and a pig was painted at least 51,200 years ago. This is at least 5,000 years earlier than the previous record holder, an image of a pig discovered in a different cave on the island. A new study published in Nature details the findings. “The painting tells a complex story.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.