Nabta Playa, located in the Egyptian desert, is believed to be the oldest known astronomical observatory, dating back 7,500 years. This ancient stone circle, situated about 175 miles southwest of Aswan, was once inhabited by the ancient Nubians. The site, which is 2,000 years older than Stonehenge, consists of dozens of upright stones that were arranged in a circle to align with the rising of certain stars.
Originally, Nabta Playa was a complex of upright stones, with some stones thought to have been used in rituals or to mark important alignments. The circle’s inner stones were surrounded by 29 standing stones, possibly forming a primitive calendar. Excavations of the central tomb revealed the skeleton of a cow, suggesting that the site was built by ancient people who relied on herding cattle between seasonal lakes.
Researchers believe that the stones in the calendar circle may have indicated the summer solstice, signaling the arrival of rainfall to replenish the lakes. It has also been suggested that some stones represented celestial bodies such as Orion’s belt and marked the seasonal risings of stars like Arcturus, Sirius, and Alpha Centauri.
The main stones of Nabta Playa are now housed in a museum in Aswan to protect them from damage, but the site remains a significant archaeological discovery. The site provides valuable insights into the ancient people who inhabited the area and their understanding of astronomy and seasonal cycles.
Tom Metcalfe, a freelance journalist based in London, frequently writes about science, space, archaeology, and the natural world. His work has been featured in various publications, including the BBC, National Geographic, and Scientific American. Nabta Playa is just one of the many fascinating archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into humanity’s ancient past and our connection to the stars above.
