In the Crosshairs: Ancient Rock Art Under Fire

Ancient rock art in Jordan's Wadi Rum Protected Area is suffering significant damage from bullet holes, primarily due to target practice and nearby battles. A multidisciplinary forensics team assessed the extent of this damage, revealing that these petroglyphs—some dating back thousands of years—are under threat from modern activities. The study employed a combination of forensic analysis and field documentation to identify patterns of damage and sources of impact. This research highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these irreplaceable cultural heritage sites, which are not only of historical significance but also face immediate risks from human activity.

Mol, L., Brassey, C., Clarke, L., Groom, K., & King, R. (2019). In the Crosshairs: Ancient Rock Art Under Fire. Eos, 100. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019eo118409