La Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco

Summary

The Grotta dei Cervi in Porto Badisco, Salento, Italy, is a site of significant archaeological importance, discovered on February 1, 1970, by a group of local speleologists. The cave, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of European Neolithic, contains stunning prehistoric paintings that depict ancient episodes of hunting, family life, and rituals. Despite its cultural and historical value, the cave and its findings remain largely unknown to the public, with only a few publications and museums showcasing the remarkable art. The discovery of the cave and its contents has sparked fascination and many unanswered questions about the ancient civilization that once revered this site.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Grotta dei Cervi in Porto Badisco is a significant archaeological site that holds many mysteries of the Salento region.
• 🎉 Discovered on February 1, 1970, by a group of five speleologists from Salento, the cave revealed a wealth of prehistoric findings.
• 🐍 The discovery was serendipitous, prompted by a physical need that led to the detection of a warm air current from a rock crevice.
• 🌌 The cave is referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of European Neolithic' due to the abundance of ancient paintings within.
• 📚 Cosimo De Giorgi, an enthusiastic seeker of this land, had previously predicted the presence of neolithic relics in the area a century before the actual discovery.
• 🖼️ The interior images of the Grotta dei Cervi, inaccessible to the public, depict ancient scenes of hunting, family life, and rituals.
• 🎓 Isidoro Mattioli, one of the discoverers, shared his and his friends' awe and disbelief upon first seeing the paintings inside the cave.
• 🕰️ Twenty years after the discovery, the fascination with the cave remains, with many of its findings still not widely recognized or published.
• 🏛️ Some artifacts from the cave can be found in the National Museum of Taranto and the Prehistory Museum of Otranto.
• 🌊 The sea, which once frightened the ancient inhabitants, now offers a different perspective, with the cave's original entrance possibly submerged 6000 years ago.
• 🌌 The Grotta dei Cervi continues to hold untold mysteries, with its rich history and legends making it a unique site in the world.

Q & A

When was the Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco discovered?

The Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco was discovered on February 1, 1970.

Who were the discoverers of the Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco?

The grotto was discovered by five men who were part of the speleological group Salentino Pasquale De lorentiis di Maglie.

What event led to the discovery of the grotto?

The discovery was triggered by one of the group members experiencing a physiological need, which led to the detection of a warm air current rising from a small opening in the rock.

What did the discoverers initially find when they entered the grotto?

Upon entering the grotto, they found a chamber that is now referred to as the Sistine Chapel of European Neolithic, filled with ancient paintings and artifacts.

What does the term 'Cappella Sistina del Neolitico europeo' refer to in the context of the grotto?

The term 'Cappella Sistina del Neolitico europeo' refers to the chamber within the Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco, which is richly decorated with Neolithic paintings, similar to the Sistine Chapel in its cultural significance.

What kind of subjects are depicted in the paintings found in the grotto?

The paintings depict various subjects including hunting scenes, rituals, supplications to deities, family life, children, celestial bodies, seasons, wealth, and the cycle of life and death, as well as Menhir and animal totems.

How has the content of the grotto been preserved and shared with the world?

The content of the grotto has been preserved and shared through photographs and detailed descriptions in books, such as the one by Cosimo De Giorgi, which allows its beauty to be appreciated and protected without public access.

What is the significance of the discovery made by Diego de Pandis underwater?

Diego de Pandis, an experienced diver, discovered a large underwater cavern that he believes could be the true entrance to the Grotta dei Cervi used by their ancestors 6000 years ago, which is now submerged due to rising sea levels.

What happened to the original entrance of the grotto according to the script?

The original entrance of the grotto was likely submerged by rising sea levels around 6000 years ago, which may have caused the inhabitants of the village to abandon their sanctuary.

How has the discovery of the Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco impacted the understanding of prehistoric civilizations?

The discovery has provided valuable insights into the lives of prehistoric civilizations, showcasing their artistic skills, daily life, and spiritual beliefs, as well as their understanding of the natural world.

Where are the artifacts from the Grotta dei Cervi di Porto Badisco stored?

The artifacts from the grotto are scattered in various warehouses across Italy, with some being exhibited in the National Museum of Taranto and the Prehistory Museum in Otranto.