Valcamonica, Seradina 1 - Rock 12 (4)

3D Model

Rock 12, the is the largest area of exposed bedrock at Seradina and, with its hundreds of carvings, constitutes an exceptional window on the world of the Iron Age Valcamonica tribes.

The wide surface is one of the most important and well-known in the whole of Valcamonica rock art and is marked by themes which make it unique in the context of the local Iron Age.

The central part of the rock is occupied by the imposing scene of a procession of spear-holding horsemen hunting deer and followed by dogs. The dogs are unusually represented with their jaws wide open and tongue clearly visible. The hunting horsement theme is not uncommon in the rock art areas of middle Valcamonica and may probably underline the aristocratic status of the carved figures. Their high social status and wealth is illustrated by their possession of a horse, which constituted a rare and precious commodity in prehistoric times.