Nabta Playa Stone Circle

Images
Country & Timeline

Country: Egypt

Timeline: 4800 BC – 3600 BC

Description

An ancient stone circle in the Nubian Desert, 700 miles south of the Great Pyramid of Giza and 60 miles west of the Nile. It features a small circle with stone slabs marking the north and the summer solstice sunrise position. The site also includes other megalithic structures, burial chambers, and alignments suggesting astronomical purposes like tracking the summer solstice and monsoon season arrival.

Image URLs
Academic Source
  • Research by Fred Wendorf and Romuald Schild<br> Publications in archaeoastronomy and ancient Egyptian archaeology journals/books
Current State

The original circle is in the Nubian Museum in Aswan, Egypt. A replica is at the original site.

Testimony

It demonstrates advanced astronomical understanding and social organization among ancient Africans, indicating sophisticated knowledge of celestial bodies to mark seasonal events like the summer solstice and monsoon. The site also shows evidence of early agriculture, animal husbandry, and complex societal structures, including ceremonial burials and possible religious practices.

Pride

It is one of the world's oldest astronomical sites, predating Stonehenge by 2,000 years. It highlights ingenuity and scientific achievements of ancient African civilizations, contributing to a broader understanding of human history and early society development. It underscores Africa's rich cultural and intellectual heritage, showcasing its significant contributions to early human civilization.

Citations
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