Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site in Turkey that has become the focus of increasing scientific attention in recent years. The finds made there could fundamentally change our understanding of history and be of great scientific significance.
Source: DAI, Göbekli Tepe Project
Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site in Turkey that was discovered in 1994. Since then, archaeologists have uncovered several Stone Age temple complexes there that are up to 11,000 years old and represent the oldest known stone buildings in human history. To accurately determine the age of Göbekli Tepe, various methods and techniques are used, such as archaeological excavations and radiocarbon dating. By combining these techniques, archaeologists can accurately determine the age of the site and ensure that it is indeed a Stone Age excavation site.
Previously, it was assumed that early humans were still nomadic during this period, subsisting mainly on hunting and gathering. The findings at Göbekli Tepe indicate that early human communities were capable of constructing and designing complex architectural structures and were concerned with religious themes. These findings may help to change the picture of early human societies and revise our understanding of when and how certain technological and cultural developments occurred.
The finds include a variety of stone tools and weapons, as well as the remains of buildings and monuments constructed from large blocks of stone. Some of the most remarkable finds are the so-called "T-shaped" columns. They are up to five meters high and are made of large blocks of stone that have been carefully hewn and joined together. The columns are generally wider at the base and narrow towards the top, giving them their characteristic T-shape. Many of the columns are decorated with relief sculptures of animals and other motifs that show the imagination and craftsmanship of early human communities.
Controversial theories
There are several controversial theories regarding Göbekli Tepe. One of them is the idea that the site was built by extraterrestrials. This theory is based on the assumption that the stone blocks used in Göbekli Tepe were too heavy and too complex to be built by human communities in early history. Some supporters of this theory believe that the site was built by aliens to observe or influence early human communities.
Another controversial theory is the idea that Göbekli Tepe was a kind of center for the research and use of hallucinogenic drugs. This theory is based on the assumption that the reliefs on the T-shaped pillars and other structures at Göbekli Tepe depict drug use and that the site served as a meeting place for drug users.
However, such theories are controversial and have no solid evidence to support them. Most scholars believe that Göbekli Tepe was a religious site built by early human communities to express their beliefs and traditions.