Ancient Calendar Discovered at Gobekli Tepe

A researcher from the University of Edinburgh, Martin Sweatman, has unveiled what he believes to be the earliest known lunisolar calendar at Gobekli Tepe, an archaeological site in southern Turkey. This ancient complex, characterized by its temple-like enclosures, is thought to have recorded significant astronomical events. Sweatman’s findings, published last month, suggest that V-shaped markings on the site’s pillars document a major event: the impact of comet fragments on Earth approximately 13,000 years ago. Dr. Sweatman argues that these intricate carvings serve as a memorial to this catastrophic event, linking the site to humanity's early attempts to understand celestial phenomena. He previously connected the comet impact to Gobekli Tepe in a 2017 paper, asserting that the carvings were not merely decorative but served a functional purpose in observing the cosmos. The researcher emphasizes that the fascination with uncovering hidden codes in ancient artifacts may overlook the simpler reality of past human experiences. He expressed this sentiment on social media, suggesting that the carvings reflect the lives and concerns of ancient peoples rather than a complex secret waiting to be decoded. Gobekli Tepe continues to be a focal point for understanding early human civilization and its relationship with the cosmos, as researchers like Sweatman delve into the significance of its remarkable structures and the stories they tell.