Magharet el Kantara (Shaw’s Cave), Egypt

Shaw’s Cave or Magharet el Kantara is a rock art shelter of the Gilf Kebir National Park in the New Valley Governorate, Egypt.

The Magharet el Kantara galleries are around 3 kilometers away from Ain el-Ghourab in Gebel Qatrani . They run for about 60 meters and can be divided into three sections. The Magharet el Kantara galleries include around 135 rock art figures . Magharet el-Kantara is also the name of a modern village in the area and Magharet means cave and Kantara or Qantra is an Arabic word for a short path or cut. Magharat el-Qantarah is the name of a place in Palestine also.

The Magharet el Kantara rock art gallery has been known since the early 20th century and was visited by Abbé Henri Édouard Prosper Breuil in 1928. The Magharet el-Kantara rock shelter was later visited by the Wilkinson in 1932, but it was László Almásy who discovered the Magharet el-Qatta’a rock shelter. Magharet means a cave in Arabic and Maghara is a modern village in Egypt under the same name.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magharet el Kantara

What is your favorite part of the Magharet el Kantara cave?

My favorite part of the Magharet el Kantara cave is the underground river that runs through it. It’s so beautiful and peaceful to sit by the river and listen to the water flowing over the rocks. The cave also has some amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which are really impressive to see. Overall, it’s a really wonderful experience to visit Magharet el Kantara!

How long was the Magharet el Kantara cave inhabited for?

The Magharet el Kantara cave was inhabited for around 9,000 years.

 

Image Information: By Clemens Schmillen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link