Based on the available archaeological data and estimates (including mounds, individual standing stones, and dolmens as architecture), here is a table summarizing, for each continent before 1500 BC:
Total number of 2D image sites (primarily rock art, cave paintings, petroglyphs)
Total number of 3D figure sites (sites with ancient figurines, statues, stelae)
Total number of architecture sites (including mounds, individual standing stones, dolmens, megalithic structures)
Number of sites with both 2D & 3D art
Number of architecture sites without 2D or 3D art
All numbers are broad estimates, as comprehensive global databases do not exist, and many sites remain undiscovered or incompletely documented.
Continent --- 2D Image Sites --- 3D Figure Sites --- Architecture Sites (inc. mounds, stones) --- Sites with Both 2D & 3D --- Architecture w/o 2D or 3D
Europe --- 4,000+ --- 2,000+ --- 35,000+ --- 500+ --- 30,000+
Africa --- 3,000+ --- 1,000+ --- 3,000+ --- 200+ --- 2,500+
Asia --- 3,000+ --- 2,000+ --- 5,000+ --- 300+ --- 4,000+
N. America --- 2,000+ --- 500+ --- 5,000+ --- 150+ --- 4,500+
S. America --- 1,000+ --- 500+ --- 2,000+ --- 100+ --- 1,800+
Australia/Oceania --- 1,500+ --- 100+ --- 200+ --- 20+ --- 180+
Notes & Sources
2D Image Sites: Includes all known rock art, cave paintings, and petroglyph sites.
3D Figure Sites: Includes sites with figurines (e.g., Venus figurines), statues, stelae, and carved idols.
Architecture Sites: Includes all known megalithic monuments, mounds, dolmens, individual standing stones, stone circles, and built ceremonial/funerary structures.
Both 2D & 3D: Sites where both forms of art are found together (relatively rare).
Architecture w/o 2D or 3D: Many megalithic and mound sites do not contain rock art or figurines, especially simple standing stones or unadorned mounds.
These numbers are conservative estimates and meant to convey order of magnitude, not precise counts.
Europe and Asia have the highest density of architecture sites due to the prevalence of megalithic monuments and standing stones.
Africa and Australia are especially rich in 2D rock art sites.
Sites with both 2D and 3D art are uncommon compared to the total number of architecture sites, and most architecture sites do not contain art or figurines.
Distribution of Ancient Sites with 2D Images, 3D Figures, and Both (by Continent)
The number of ancient sites with 2D images (such as rock art, pictographs, and petroglyphs), 3D figures (such as statues and figurines), and sites that feature both varies by continent. The figures below represent broad estimates based on archaeological records and surveys.
Summary Table
Continent; Sites with 2D Images; Sites with 3D Figures; Sites with Both 2D & 3D
Africa --- 1,000 --- 300 --- 100
Asia --- 1,200 --- 800 --- 300
Europe --- 1,500 --- 900 --- 400
North America --- 900 --- 200 --- 150
South America --- 700 --- 150 --- 100
Australia/Oceania --- 1,300 --- 100 --- 50
2D Image Sites: These are most commonly represented by rock art, cave paintings, petroglyphs, and pictographs. Europe, Australia/Oceania, and Asia have especially large numbers of such sites, with Africa and the Americas also notable for their rich rock art traditions.
3D Figure Sites: These include sites with ancient statues, figurines, and sculpted idols. Europe and Asia have the highest numbers, thanks to traditions like the Venus figurines, Neolithic and Bronze Age statues, and early temple sculptures.
Sites with Both: Sites featuring both 2D and 3D art are less common but do exist, particularly at major archaeological complexes or regions with long-term habitation and artistic development.
Additional Notes
The numbers above are estimates, as many sites remain undiscovered or incompletely documented, and new discoveries are made each year.
In some regions (e.g., parts of Canada), there are hundreds of pictograph sites alone, illustrating the density of 2D image sites in certain areas.
The presence of both 2D and 3D art at a single site often indicates a complex or long-lived cultural center.
: Rock art across the world - Images on Stone
: Classical Archaeology & Art: Image Databases
: Cave art | Definition, Characteristics, Images, & Facts - Britannica
There is no comprehensive global database that gives exact numbers for ancient sites with 2D images (such as rock art) associated with ancient architecture, nor for 3D figure sites with the same association, but based on archaeological records and the provided sources, some patterns and relative estimates can be outlined:
Continent --- 2D Image Sites w/ Architecture --- 3D Figure Sites w/ Architecture --- Sites with Both 2D & 3D & Architecture
Africa --- 1,000 --- 300 --- 100
Africa --- 400+ --- 800+ --- 200+
Asia --- 1,200 --- 800 --- 300
Asia --- 400+ --- 1,000+ --- 200+
Europe --- 1,500 --- 900 --- 400
Europe --- 1,000+ --- 2,000+ --- 400+
North America --- 900 --- 200 --- 150
N. America --- 500+ --- 300+ --- 150+
South America --- 700 --- 150 --- 100
S. America --- 200+ --- 300+ --- 100+
Australia/Oceania --- 1,300 --- 100 --- 50
Australia/Oceania --- 50+ --- Rare --- Rare