<strong>Gobustan State Reserve: </strong>Gobustan State Reserve, in eastern Azerbaijan, is home to more than 6,000 ancient rock carvings, known as petroglyphs.
Gobustan State Reserve: Gobustan State Reserve, in eastern Azerbaijan, is home to more than 6,000 ancient rock carvings, known as petroglyphs.
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<strong>'Land of the dry riverbed': </strong>The name Gobustan means "land of the dry riverbed," and today Gobustan is arid semi-desert, with little vegetation.
'Land of the dry riverbed': The name Gobustan means "land of the dry riverbed," and today Gobustan is arid semi-desert, with little vegetation.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Climate change:</strong> However, in the period following the last Ice Age, the region was green and densely wooded, and the sea level is believed to have been higher.
Climate change: However, in the period following the last Ice Age, the region was green and densely wooded, and the sea level is believed to have been higher.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Shelter:</strong> Here on this limestone plateau, collapsing rock formed a a series of around 20 caves which were used for thousands of years as human shelters.
Shelter: Here on this limestone plateau, collapsing rock formed a a series of around 20 caves which were used for thousands of years as human shelters.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Cupules:</strong> It's believed that these holes were dug for collecting rain-water and also blood from sacrificed animals.
Cupules: It's believed that these holes were dug for collecting rain-water and also blood from sacrificed animals.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Petroglyphs: </strong>The carvings show warriors and tattooed women; oxen, deer and goats; scenes of fishing and scenes of sacrifice.
Petroglyphs: The carvings show warriors and tattooed women; oxen, deer and goats; scenes of fishing and scenes of sacrifice.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>More to explore: </strong>Around 500 new carvings have been discovered in recent years, as well as a Bronze Age game. With the area not yet fully explored, there will be more to uncover.
More to explore: Around 500 new carvings have been discovered in recent years, as well as a Bronze Age game. With the area not yet fully explored, there will be more to uncover.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN