Altamira facts for kids
Altamira is a name that can refer to several different places and things around the world. It is most famous for a cave in Spain known for its ancient art. However, it's also the name of cities and towns in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. You might even find it in the name of a software company or a song!
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The Famous Altamira Cave
The Altamira Cave is a very important cave located in Cantabria, Spain. It is world-famous for its incredible prehistoric cave paintings and carvings. These artworks were made by early humans during the Upper Paleolithic period, which was about 36,000 to 13,000 years ago.
What Makes the Cave Special?
The Altamira Cave is often called the "Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art." This is because of the amazing quality and detail of its paintings. The most famous images are of bison, horses, and deer, painted in vibrant red, black, and yellow colors. The artists used natural pigments from minerals and even used the natural bumps and curves of the cave walls to make the animals look three-dimensional.
Discovering the Art
The cave was discovered in 1868 by Modesto Cubillas. However, the incredible paintings were first noticed in 1879 by Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, a local nobleman. His young daughter, Maria, was actually the first to spot the painted bison on the cave ceiling! At first, many experts didn't believe the paintings were truly ancient. They thought they were too good to be made by prehistoric people. But later discoveries in other caves proved that these ancient artists were very skilled.
Protecting the Cave
To protect the delicate paintings from damage caused by visitors, the original Altamira Cave is now mostly closed to the public. However, a fantastic replica, called the Neocave, was built nearby. This replica allows visitors to experience the beauty of the cave art without harming the original. The Altamira Cave, along with other caves of Paleolithic Art in Northern Spain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is recognized as a very important cultural and historical place for all of humanity.
Places Named Altamira
The name Altamira is also used for several towns and cities in different countries.
Cities in the Americas
- Altamira, Tamaulipas: This is a port city located in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. It's an important center for trade and industry.
- Altamira (Caracas): This is a well-known neighborhood found in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela.
- Altamira, Pará: This city is located in the large Brazilian state of Pará. It is one of the biggest municipalities in the world by area.
- Altamira do Maranhão: Another city in Brazil, this one is located in the state of Maranhão.
- Altamira, Dominican Republic: This is a municipality in the Puerto Plata Province of the Dominican Republic.
Other Uses of the Name Altamira
The name Altamira has also been used in other ways:
- Altamira Software: This was a company that developed computer software. It was later bought by Microsoft in 1994.
- Altamira Retreat: This is a holiday retreat located in Gloucester, Australia, offering a place for relaxation.
- Songs: The name Altamira has inspired music, including "Alta Mira" by Edgar Winter and "The Caves of Altamira" by Steely Dan.
See also
In Spanish: Altamira para niños
