13,000-year-old pillar found in Turkey reveals world’s oldest calendar

Archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be the world’s oldest solar and lunar calendar, carved into a massive stone pillar at Göbekli Tepe, a famous archaeological site in southern Turkey. The major discovery, detailed in a study published July 24 in Time and Mind, offers new insights into early human timekeeping. The pillar, which is nearly 13,000 years old, is etched with 365 V-shaped symbols. Researchers interpret each “V” as a single day, making this ancient calendar a sophisticated system that includes 12 lunar months plus an additional 11 days.

Deciphering the World’s Oldest Calendar

This design reflects a careful attempt to keep track of the solar year and lunar cycles. In addition, the pillar contains a carving of a bird-like creature surrounded by similar V-shaped symbols. This image may represent the summer solstice constellation as it appeared at that time.

Such intricate carvings are thought to have been made around 10,850 BC, when a large comet struck the area which could have had a major impact on the climate and culture of the time.

The comet impact is believed to have caused an ice age, which may have led to major shifts in society at Göbekli Tepe. This event may have sparked the emergence of new religious practices or cultural shifts, as well as advances in agriculture to adapt to the colder climate. The creation of this calendar may have been an attempt to capture and understand these dramatic celestial events.

Martin Sweatman, an author of the study from the University of Edinburgh, suggests that the comet impact and subsequent environmental changes could have been catalysts for the development of writing systems. The carvings at Göbekli Tepe provide a glimpse into how early humans observed and recorded their world, laying the foundation for future developments in human knowledge.

This discovery expands our knowledge of early astronomical and cultural practices in Turkey and reveals the complexity and sophistication of prehistoric societies.