World's oldest doodle found on rock

[Still Waters]

Scientists have discovered what is believed to be one of the world's oldest doodles - an ancient scrawl carved onto a rock by a caveman 4,500 years ago.

Cambridge University experts believe the crudely etched circles are the Neolithic version of a modern office worker's scribbles on a post-it note.

The 6.6in (17cm) chunk of sandstone was discovered by an amateur archaeologist from the bottom of a deep quarry in Over, Cambs., during a university fun day.

Christopher Evans, director of the university's Archaeological Unit, thinks the concentric circles were created by one of our early ancestors ''killing time'' as opposed to a work of art.

Mr Evans said: ''I think it was a doodle. I don't think it has any deep and meaningful religious significance.

''In this era of the Neolithic period they had a lot of time on their hands. It could show they were quite bored at times, but we don't know for sure.

''We do know when they weren't out harvesting or planting crops they had to find a way of killing time.

Read more...

[thefinalfrontier]

wow now thats a pretty awsome find,

[Stardrive]

Scientists have discovered what is believed to be one of the world's oldest doodles - an ancient scrawl carved onto a rock by a caveman 4,500 years ago.

Even more awesome that cavemen were still around only 4,500 years ago. I've seen arrowheads that were shaped out of sandstone. I just figured they did that for practice purposes.

[The Cosmic Fluke]

*SNIP*

Edited July 19, 2010 by Lilly
removed inappropriate link

[Paracelse]

*SNIP*

hopefully a moderator will have this removed ...

Edited July 19, 2010 by Lilly
edit quote

[Paracelse]

It is strange this is called a "doodle". Concentric circles are known world wide as cosmic symbol, why would Neolithic people of that area would use as doodle rather then it's true meaning. Are those scientists insinuating the Eastern Brits were retards?

[:PsYKoTiC:BeHAvIoR:]

It is strange this is called a "doodle". Concentric circles are known world wide as cosmic symbol, why would Neolithic people of that area would use as doodle rather then it's true meaning. Are those scientists insinuating the Eastern Brits were retards?

I think you're reading into the article a bit too deep. While a circle holds significance in many cultures, a circle is also a geometrical symbol people could visibly see like the sun and the full moon for example.

[Rob Awesome]

Looks to me like the ice age snuck up on him before he could finish a wallet-size portrait of a lady-friend.

[Gwynbleidd]

Wow what a great find!

[ali zeek]

Looks to me like the ice age snuck up on him before he could finish a wallet-size portrait of a lady-friend.

Actually, I believe these circles to be the work of one of the first mechanical drawings. The early draftsman was working on THE WHEEL.

[Avant]

Take that Picasso! What a great find though

[farandaway]

For someone of that era to doodle, would take a lot more preparation than just putting pen to paper while talking on the phone!! They would have to have the right rock to doodle on and the right implement to doodle with. Interesting find!