Nabta Playa
Images
Country & Timeline
Country: Egypt
Timeline: 7500 BCE - 3000 BCE
Description
Ancient archaeological site in the Nubian Desert, southern Egypt. Once a large endorheic basin with a seasonal lake, it fostered human settlement. Renowned for megalithic structures (stone circles, alignments, etc.) aligned with astronomical events (e.g., summer solstice). Considered some of the earliest known astronomical devices.
Academic Source
- Wikipedia: Nabta Playa <br> The Brain Chamber: The Nabta Playa Stone Circle <br> SpringerLink: Nabta Playa: Agriculture and Domestication <br> IngentaConnect: Nabta Playa in the Development of Science and Technology <br> Megalithic Portal: Nabta Playa Stone Circle <br> Mr. Imhotep: Mysterious Site of Nabta Playa Unveils the True Origins of Ancient Egypt
Current State
Still exists, some structures moved/reconstructed due to vandalism and threats from development projects. Original stone circle relocated to Nubian Museum, replica built on site.
Testimony
Advanced knowledge and ingenuity of prehistoric African societies. Sophisticated astronomical alignments and megalithic structures indicate deep understanding of celestial events. Artifacts showcase cultural wealth and technological advancements. Transition from nomadic to settled agriculture reflects significant social and economic developments.
Pride
Source of immense pride, highlighting rich history of early African civilizations. Demonstrates scientific and cultural achievements of ancient peoples long before the rise of Egyptian civilization. Contributes to understanding of early astronomy, agriculture, and social organization, underscoring innovative spirit and resilience of inhabitants. Powerful reminder of Africa's role in human civilization and legacy in science, technology, and culture.
Citations
- [1] https://thebrainchamber.com/nabta-playa-stone-circle/
- [2] https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4419-0465-2_2235
- [3] https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/cog/ti/2014/00000016/00000001/art00008?crawler=true&mimetype=application%2Fpdf
- [4] https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=22092
- [5] https://mrimhotep.org/nabta-playa-unveils-the-true-origins-of-egypt/
- [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabta_Playa
- [7] https://humanoriginproject.com/nabta-playa-stone-circle/
- [8] https://www.heritagedaily.com/2022/04/nabta-playa-the-lost-world-of-the-al-wadi-al-gadid-desert/143408
- [9] https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabta_Playa
- [10] https://kar.zcu.cz/studium/materialy/egy/texty-pro-studenty-2012/NabtaPlaya.pdf
- [11] https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/nabtaplaya/
- [12] https://www.astronomy.com/observing/nabta-playa-the-worlds-first-astronomical-site-was-built-in-africa-and-is-older-than-stonehenge/
- [13] https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-africa/nabta-playa-and-ancient-astronomers-nubian-desert-002954
- [14] https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/nabta-playa-is-the-worlds-oldest-astronomical-site-found-in-africa
- [15] https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_101
- [16] https://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2005/locations/egypt_stone.htm
- [17] https://www.planetquest.org/learn/nabta.html
- [18] https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nabta-playa-stone-circle
- [19] https://www.reddit.com/r/Archaeology/comments/hpbnxs/nabta_playa_the_worlds_first_astronomical_site/