Daily News Analysis

World’s Oldest Calendar Discovered

stylish_lining

Overview: Archaeologists at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site in Turkey, have uncovered the world’s oldest calendar, dating back nearly 13,000 years. This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of early human knowledge and capabilities.

Key Details:

  • Göbekli Tepe:
  • Location: Turkey.
  • Historical Significance: Often referred to as the world’s first temple, Göbekli Tepe features a series of large stone pillars with intricate carvings.
  • Age: The site dates back to between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE, predating Stonehenge by over 6,000 years.
  • Discovery of the Calendar:
  • Carvings: The pillars at Göbekli Tepe include V-shaped symbols that represent individual days.
  • Calendar Structure: Researchers identified a 365-day calendar, divided into 12 lunar months with an additional 11 days. This structure closely aligns with the modern solar calendar.
  • Astronomical Significance: The calendar reflects a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, including depictions of the sun, moon, and significant astronomical events like the summer solstice.
  • Key Features:
  • Summer Solstice: A V-shaped symbol worn around the neck of a bird-like figure is believed to represent the summer solstice, highlighting the advanced astronomical knowledge of the ancient people.
  • Solar and Lunar Elements: The calendar incorporates both solar and lunar elements, suggesting a combined solar-lunar timekeeping system.
  • Implications:
  • Understanding of Early Societies: The discovery indicates that the people of Göbekli Tepe had a sophisticated understanding of timekeeping and astronomy long before the advent of written language.
  • Challenges Previous Assumptions: This find challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of human technological and intellectual development, showing that complex timekeeping systems existed much earlier than previously known.
  • Göbekli Tepe's Broader Significance:
  • Engineering and Artistry: The site is a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry, constructed by hunter-gatherers and featuring some of the earliest monumental architecture.
  • Purpose: Although the exact purpose of Göbekli Tepe remains debated, it is widely believed to have been used for ritualistic or ceremonial purposes.

Conclusion:

The discovery of the world’s oldest calendar at Göbekli Tepe not only provides valuable insights into early human knowledge of astronomy and timekeeping but also highlights the advanced capabilities of ancient civilizations. This find is a significant milestone in the study of human history and prehistory, reshaping our understanding of early technological and intellectual development.

Israel-US-Iran Conflict

Recently, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, a significant military strike aimed at Iranian nuclear infrastructure and balli
Share It

Philippines President’s Visit to India (2025)

In 2025, during the Philippines President's state visit to India, both nations elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The visit reaffirmed the 1952 Treaty of Friends
Share It

India's Participation in the 51st G7 Summit

India participated as an Outreach Country in the 51st G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Canada in 2025. Key Outcomes of the 51st G7 Summit (2025): Kananaskis Wildfire Charter:
Share It

Quit India Movement (QIM)

India commemorates 8th August every year as Quit India Movement Day (also known as August Kranti Diwas) to honor the historic movement that demanded the immediate end of British colonial rule in I
Share It

Union Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, aiming to address long-standing challenges and transform India into a global sportin
Share It

CIMMYT’s Financial Crisis

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a pivotal institution in the development of agricultural research for maize, wheat, and related crops, is facing significant financia
Share It

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

India's refusal to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China has been a significant diplomatic development.
Share It

China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Trilateral Meeting

China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh held their first-ever trilateral meeting during the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum.China took the lead in facilitating the dialogue, aiming to boost regiona
Share It

US Imposing Tariffs on India

The US's decision to raise tariffs on India, particularly targeting the continued purchase of Russian oil, has had significant implications for the bilateral trade relationship between the two
Share It

Offshore Wind Energy

As India expands its wind energy capacity, reaching an estimated 51.3 GW by mid-2025, concerns are growing over the environmental impact, particularly on bird populations and marine biodiversity.
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS