A multi-analytical approach to characterize the microbiome and stone substrate of petroglyph sites in the Negev desert of Israel

Rock art, in the form of petroglyphs and pictograms, has an immense value, as it is considered one of the first forms of expression of ancient societies, and the prehistoric precursor to art. As part of the natural landscape, rock art is constantly exposed to natural and anthropogenic weathering processes. To protect and preserve this unique cultural heritage better knowledge of the degradation patterns is needed with special attention to biodeterioration. Indeed, the research focusing on the role of biological agents in the deterioration processes specific to rock art is still minimal. This contribution is part of a broader bilateral project between the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (Austria) and the Ben Gurion University (Israel) that aims to study the role of microorganisms in the deterioration processes of stone cultural heritage sites in Austria and Israel. The present work presents the results obtained by culture independent microbiological methods (metagenomics) and physico-chemical analyses on the petroglyphs sites in the Negev desert of Israel.