Rock engraving or rock carvings have been found in the Pyrenees (Spain and France) but according archeologists the oldest are located and are being studied in Greece, documents deals with thousands of them, many of painted one on the other, discovered in the open air as well as in overhanging rocks, formed shelters and inside in caves in Northern Greece and especially in regions of Eastern Macedonia like on the hills of the village of Philippi.
Most of the depictions are engraved in a linear way and introduce a typical standardization which shows a wide spread cultural phenomenon. Their dimensions vary from centimeters to one meter, classified in themes according to their depiction such as deer, humans in different shape, several animals, tools, even riders or hunters. They are the richest and most important ones found in Greece.
The creation of rock carvings satisfied the needs of the early humanity and people used them mostly for the need of their communication. Therefore, rock carvings suggest an early way of expressing oneself and can be considered as the remains of the first tools of thought. It is suggested that the largest part of the carvings be dated from the late Neolithic period up to the early Iron era.
In the wider area of Paggaio there is scattered such depictions on rocks with the most important ones being those of the zodiac that starts from Gemini and reaches up to Sagittarius, perhaps even Capricorn. At the same time such wonderful original engravings are found in many other areas of northern Greece such as Serres, Petralona, Halkidiki, Edessa and Kastoria.
Warm thanks to the members of the local Cultural Association of Philippi:
Mrs. Sogatzi V., Mr. Paraperoglou X. and Mr. Poulia K. for the guided tour of the rock paintings, the presentation and guided tour of open rocks and the additional information for the promotion of this cultural heritage.
P. S. All the information comes from the archive of the Cultural Association of Philippi and the research of the Geologist Professor Mr. Chatzilazaridis (PhD).
Photos by Cultural Association of Philippi