Archaeologists On The U.S.–Mexico Border Made A Breakthrough Discovery That Reveals An Ancient Tradition Few Knew Existed

The rock shelters throughout southwest Texas and northern Mexico have been home to Pecos River style murals that serve as a hidden record of early North American life. These ancient drawings, which stretch across the walls and ceilings of the rock shelters, aren't simple sketches. They show carefully planned scenes depicting human-like figures and animal imagery.

With over 150 mural locations north of the Rio Grande and a similar number across the border in Mexico's Coahuila state, researchers have known for years that they were designed cohesively to tell a story. But until recently, though, no one knew exactly how old they were.

A new study published in Science Advances shows that these Pecos River style murals are far older than expected and part of a tradition that lasted much l