Uncovering what human life was like in the Paleolithic Age is a difficult task at best since writing had not yet been developed. Consequently, scholars rely on the archaeological record and present-day hunting and foraging societies in an effort to draw some conclusions about human lifeways during this period. In this activity your will have the opportunity to examine some of this archaeological evidence. The images that follow are photographs of cave paintings from Altamira, Spain (c. 15,000 BCE). Consider the following questions as you analyze the images below:

• Why did the inhabitants paint these images?
• What purpose did these cave paintings serve?
• How are these images examples of reflective thinking?

Complete the Primary Source Analysis Form when finished.

Source: Ancient Art Archive https://www.ancientartarchive.org/altamira-cave-spain/

---

Cave of Altamira – Spain