Gobekli Tepe Archaeological Site and Lunisolar Calendar

SOURCE www.npr.org
Gobekli Tepe in Turkey may house the world's oldest lunisolar calendar and serve as a memorial to a comet strike 13,000 years ago, leading to an ice age and extinction of large animals.

Key Points

  • V-shaped symbols on pillars at Gobekli Tepe may represent the world's oldest lunisolar calendar.
  • The symbols could record a comet strike in 10,850 BC that triggered an ice age and extinction event.
  • The event may have influenced the development of new religions and agricultural practices.

Pros

  • Discovery sheds light on ancient civilizations' astronomy and recording systems.
  • Provides potential evidence for a comet strike and its impact on Earth's climate and civilizations.

Cons

  • Some aspects of the findings are still debated among scientists.