- Why is Gobekli Tepe so important?
- What are the great mysteries surrounding Göbekli Tepe?
- Early dating
- Purpose of construction
- Advanced Architecture
- Burial of the site
- The origin of the builders
- What legends does Göbeklitepe have?
- The legend of Noah’s Ark
- The Legend of Garden of Eden
- What symbols Göbekli Tepe hides?
- Stylized Animals
- Women in characteristic positions
- Geometric symbols
- Domes and semicircle
- Abstract symbols
Why is Gobekli Tepe so important?
Gobekly Tepe could be the first temple in the world.
Gobekli Tepe is a prehistoric archaeological site in Turkey, which is believed to be around 12,000 years old. This makes it older than some of the world’s most ancient civilizations.
The megalithic temples of Gobekli Tepe were created from rock thousands of years before the construction of the pyramids in Egypt, Stonehenge in England, or Nabta Playa, which is the oldest known astronomical site, dating back around 7,000 years.
Some parts of Gobekli Tepe were constructed as early as 14,000 or 15,000 years ago.
What are the great mysteries surrounding Göbekli Tepe?
Göbekli Tepe remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic archaeological sites, and many mysteries still surround it.
Early dating
One of the biggest conundrums is the age of the site. Göbekli Tepe is dated to around 9600 BC, making it much older than many other megalithic structures. This antiquity raises questions about the development of human societies and their ability to build such elaborate structures at that time.
Purpose of construction
The precise purpose of Göbekli Tepe remains unknown. Some scholars suggest that it may have been a place of worship or a temple, given its ritual and religious characteristics. However, the lack of a nearby residential settlement raises questions about how ancient people used the site.
Advanced Architecture
The complex structures of the pillars and the precision with which they were built raise questions about the architectural skills of the society that built Göbekli Tepe. Remarkably, these ancient people were able to create such elaborate structures at that time.
Burial of the site
There is evidence that the site was deliberately buried or disabled at a later time. The exact reason for this remains unknown, and speculations range from cultural or religious changes to natural catastrophes.
The Göbekli Tepe site remained concealed and forgotten for several millennia until German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt rediscovered it in the 1990s. The site’s buried location has played a significant role in preserving the magnificently carved stone pillars from erosion and other environmental factors.
The origin of the builders
The exact identity and origin of Göbekli Tepe’s builders remain unknown. It is not known with certainty who these people were, how they lived, and where they obtained the architectural knowledge needed to build this remarkable site.
What legends does Göbeklitepe have?
The legend of Noah’s Ark
Over one-third of the stone pillars at Göbekli Tepe are adorned with intricate bas-relief carvings of different animals. However, what has left many archaeologists and historians baffled is that several of the species depicted in the carvings, such as geese, armadillos, and wild boars, are not native to the area.
This location also happens to be near where it is assumed Noah and the animals ended their long journey through the flood. While it is uncertain whether the animals depicted on the pillars are the same ones from the ark, it is possible that the stories about those animals ended up being depicted in stone.
Could there be a connection between Göbekli Tepe and the great flood? It’s fascinating to consider the potential connections between these ancient carvings and the biblical account of the flood.
The Legend of Garden of Eden
A prevailing theory suggests that the animal carvings at Göbekli Tepe were inspired by an even older Biblical story. It is believed that this ancient site, situated in the vicinity of the Garden of Eden, served as a place of worship for our forefathers.
It is said that Eden was where the four rivers of paradise took their rise. Two of those rivers the Euphrates and the Tigris flowed through Mesopotamia. And these both rose in the same area as Göbekli Tepe. Professor Klaus Schmidt, the German archeologist, even suggested that this could be the area of Eden and the point of foundation of civilization.
What symbols Göbekli Tepe hides?
At Göbekli Tepe, the pillars are carved with various symbols and artistic representations.
Stylized Animals
The pillars are adorned with stylized carvings of animals such as lions, snakes, eagles, and other creatures. These representations may suggest a mythological or spiritual connection with the animal world.
Women in characteristic positions
Some stylized human figures represent women, and their positions may have ritual or religious significance. For example, a female figure with raised arms may suggest some form of veneration or adoration.
Geometric symbols
Apart from figurative representations, geometric symbols such as circles, spirals, and lines can also be observed on the pillars at Göbekli Tepe. These may have cosmological or ritualistic meanings.
Domes and semicircle
Another type of symbol encountered consists of representations of domes and semicircles. These could reflect ideas related to the cosmos or sacred rituals.
Abstract symbols
In addition to the more obvious representations, there are also more abstract and stylized symbols whose meanings remain unclear.
Some scholars have suggested that the carved animals, such as lions, snakes, and eagles, may represent mythological entities or spiritual totems. Others believe that the pillars and central circle could symbolize various cosmological concepts or religious rituals.
