The First Ancient Humans Suddenly Disappeared

Megalithic Architecture and Hunter-Gatherers

It was widely believed by archaeologists that megalithic architecture was beyond the abilities of hunter-gatherers. They argued that such architecture required long-term settled agricultural communities. No megalithic architecture older than 6,000 years had been discovered globally.

This formed a basis for dismissing the theories of John West and Robert Schoch.

Their critics argued that no culture over 12,000 years old existed, and no construction like the Sphinx had occurred before 4,500 years ago.

Discovery of Göbekli Tepe

This changed with the discovery of Göbekli Tepe, a site deliberately buried around 11,600 years ago. The site was sealed, preserving an intact archaeological scene. The structures found there date to the end of the Younger Dryas, a period known for significant climatic shifts.

The megalithic pillars at Göbekli Tepe, some weighing 20 tons, challenged earlier assumptions about the capabilities of ancient cultures.

Early Excavations in Turkey

In 1963, an archaeological survey in southeastern Turkey uncovered Göbekli Tepe, located atop a hill. Initially mistaken for a medieval cemetery, the site was largely overlooked.

However, in 1994, German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt revisited the site, suspecting its deeper significance. Excavation revealed massive megalithic structures, some standing over 5 meters (16.4 feet) tall and weighing up to 50 tons.

These stones were arranged in circular patterns and intricately carved with images of animals and symbols.

Radiocarbon dating showed the site was constructed between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE, predating Stonehenge by over 5,000 years.

Implications for Early Civilizations

The discovery raised questions about who could have built Göbekli Tepe, as it was assumed humanity was still in the hunter-gatherer stage during this period.

Archaeologists later found evidence of a permanent settlement at the site, suggesting the builders were part of a more advanced civilization.

This discovery shifted the timeline for the development of sophisticated cultures and the construction of monumental structures.

Theories on the Purpose of Göbekli Tepe

Scholars began speculating about the purpose of Göbekli Tepe. One theory proposed it was one of the world’s earliest religious centers. Klaus Schmidt referred to it as “the first human-built holy place,” comparing it to a cathedral.

Others suggested it may have served as an astronomical observatory, aligned with celestial events. If true, this would imply a deep knowledge of astronomy much earlier than previously believed.

The Vulture Stone and the Younger Dryas Event

In 2017, researchers Martin Sweatman and Dimitrios Tsikritsis focused on one of Göbekli Tepe’s carvings, the Vulture Stone. After analysis, they proposed that the stone encoded information about constellations and the Sun.

The researchers theorized that the carvings depicted a comet impact event, symbolized by the headless figure at the bottom, marking the Younger Dryas impact around 12,900 to 11,600 years ago. This period of sudden global cooling coincided with mass extinctions and widespread environmental changes.

Göbekli Tepe as a Record of the Younger Dryas

Sweatman and Tsikritsis proposed that Göbekli Tepe was a record of this catastrophic event. The findings suggested that not only did an advanced civilization exist over 12,000 years ago, but that this civilization also had the ability to track astronomical events with precision.

The discovery raised further questions about the builders of Göbekli Tepe and the broader implications of the Younger Dryas event on early human history.

Turkey’s Underground Cities

In addition to Göbekli Tepe, the region surrounding it contains other significant archaeological sites, including a network of ancient underground cities.

The most famous of these is Derinkuyu, an underground city capable of sheltering up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock. Derinkuyu and other underground complexes in Cappadocia may have been built in response to the Younger Dryas event, serving as refuges during extreme climate conditions.

Zoroastrianism and Underground Shelters

The ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, which originated in modern-day Iran, contains myths that mirror the events of the Younger Dryas.

The story of Yima, a man instructed to build an underground city to survive a great winter, parallels the construction of the underground cities in Turkey.

This suggests that these shelters may have been built to protect against the harsh climate changes of the Younger Dryas period.

Conclusion

The discoveries at Göbekli Tepe and the underground cities of Turkey suggest the existence of an advanced civilization over 12,000 years ago.

This civilization may have possessed sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and architecture, challenging traditional views of early human history.

As excavations continue, more evidence may emerge to explain the mysteries of Göbekli Tepe, the Younger Dryas event, and the underground cities. These findings have the potential to reshape our understanding of human civilization’s distant past.