Ancient Hunters Carved Symbols Beside Dinosaur Prints Thousands of Years Before Science Named Them

A remarkable discovery in northeastern Brazil has revealed an extraordinary overlap of human creativity and prehistoric remnants.

At Serrote do Letreiro, an archaeological site in Paraíba, researchers have identified petroglyphs (rock carvings created thousands of years ago) etched into stone surfaces that also preserve dinosaur footprints dating back to the Cretaceous Period, around 66 million years ago.

The finding is considered one of the most significant intersections of archaeology and paleontology ever documented. The carvings are estimated to have been created between 9,400 and 2,620 years ago by “small seminomadic groups of hunters and gatherers” living in the region.

Their placement is striking: many of the designs were carved just two to four inches away from the fossilized tracks, suggesting intentional positioning rather than coincidence. The styles vary, indicating that multiple individuals contributed to the artwork, which was likely created over generations.

“The ancient inscriptions (petroglyphs), strategically positioned around the dinosaur footprints, reveal a deep reverence for fossil tracks among Brazil’s ancient indigenous communities,” explained Leonardo Troiano, Coordinator of Cooperation and Promotion at Brazil’s National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute.

“The findings bridge ancestral symbols with the fossil record and highlight the connection between native people and fossils. Ultimately, this site is evidence of our species' journey and the ongoing human engagement with the natural world and its fossil record (an especially rich one in Brazil). As such, this special site forms an integral and unique component of our collective cultural heritage.”

Researchers see this site as a unique dialogue between natural history and human expression.

Nature

The discovery was first noted in 1975, but it wasn’t until recent surveys using drone technology that the carvings were systematically documented and their proximity to the dinosaur tracks fully recognized.

The petroglyphs themselves are geometric, featuring circles filled with lines, crosses, and radiating sunburst patterns. They were made using a combination of stone hammering and scraping techniques, and crucially, none of the carvings overlap with the fossilized footprints—suggesting careful respect for the ancient tracks.

Cultural Perspectives on Prehistoric Art

Dr. Richard Leakey, renowned paleoanthropologist, emphasizes that the intersection of human and dinosaur artifacts challenges our understanding of early human cognition and creativity.

His research indicates that ancient cultures may have had more sophisticated knowledge about their environment than previously thought.

Leakey suggests that petroglyphs like those found in Brazil could signify a deep-rooted respect for the creatures that once roamed the Earth. This insight pushes us to consider how modern interpretations of such art can inform our understanding of ancient societies.

The carvings are estimated to have been created between 9,400 and 2,620 years ago by “small seminomadic groups of hunters and gatherers” living in the region.

Nature

Researchers see this site as a unique dialogue between natural history and human expression. Fossilized dinosaur tracks have long been known in Paraíba, but until now, they were viewed primarily through the lens of paleontology.

The carvings change that picture, showing that early humans not only noticed these massive imprints but also incorporated them into their cultural and symbolic world. As Troiano emphasized, “The main discovery [of the study] is that the site brings together petroglyphs [rock art] and dinosaur fossils like no other archaeological or paleontological site in the world.”

9,000-Year-Old Rock Sketches Prove Early Humans Knew All About Dinosaurs

The team behind the research includes Troiano, along with Aline Marcele Ghilardi and Tito Aureliano, both paleontologists, and Heloisa Bitú, an archaeologist. Together, they have highlighted how the findings represent more than just an academic curiosity.

They point to an enduring human instinct: to interpret, honor, and weave meaning into the landscapes we inhabit. Speaking about the significance of the project, Troiano said the team “couldn’t be prouder.”

Their work demonstrates how fossils—long before science had a name for them—were integrated into human imagination, becoming part of cultural memory rather than mere natural oddities.

Published in Scientific Reports, the study reframes Serrote do Letreiro as both a paleontological treasure and an archaeological landmark. It represents a rare moment where the timelines of dinosaurs and humans—separated by tens of millions of years—converge in a single, shared space.

This discovery underscores a powerful idea: long before modern paleontology, humans were already engaging with Earth’s ancient history, carving their own place alongside it.

Exciting discoveries like the petroglyphs at Serrote do Letreiro prompt us to rethink educational methods in archaeology. Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading researcher in grit and perseverance, advocates for integrating interdisciplinary approaches in education.

She suggests that students should engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as visiting archaeological sites or participating in excavations, to cultivate a deeper appreciation for history.

By fostering curiosity and resilience in students, educators can inspire the next generation of archaeologists and historians to explore the rich narratives hidden in ancient artifacts.

Analysis & Recommendations

The discovery of petroglyphs alongside dinosaur prints not only enriches our understanding of ancient human behavior but also raises questions about the knowledge and beliefs of early people.

As cultural anthropologist Dr. David Graeber noted, 'Understanding the connections between art and environment can lead to crucial insights into how societies evolve.' This blend of art and science encourages us to reflect on the importance of interdisciplinary studies.

Ultimately, fostering curiosity about our past could be our key to navigating the complexities of the future.