A Man in Spain Threw Water on 6,000-Year-Old Rock Paintings years to take a better photo for social networks (2 photos)

Now he is under investigation for a crime against historical heritage.





A Spanish resident damaged ancient rock paintings by pouring water on them to make them look clearer in a photo for social media. The police saw the pictures and launched an investigation.

The 39-year-old man is accused of a crime against historical heritage. The paintings, located in different places in the Sierra Sur de Jaén mountain range, are about 6,000 years old.

A statement from the Spanish Civil Guard's environmental protection service said the cave paintings were part of the country's cultural heritage.



The cave paintings were made on limestone, which contains water-soluble salts. When exposed to water, the salts dissolve and then come to the surface, leaving a crust that causes "irreparable damage" to the works.