In the Middle East, there are geoglyphs that can give odds to the Peruvian. They stretch from Syria to Saudi Arabia, are visible only from a bird's eye view and are practically unknown to the general public.
Ancient structures of stones called geoglyphs were first discovered thanks to the latest satellite mapping technology in Jordan. There are more of them in Jordan alone than in the entire Nazca Valley, according to David Kennedy of the University of Western Australia. "In addition, they cover a much wider area and, apparently, much older," - says the scientist, noting that these geoglyphs are at least 2 thousand years old.
Photo: David Boyer / utro.ru
Photo: David Boyer / utro.ru
All structures have a common design in the form of a circle with spokes, which is why they are called "wheels". However, in detail, the circles with a diameter of 24 to 70 m differ markedly.
"Wheels" consist of diamond-shaped structures, small stone pyramids, and randomly located low walls. At the same time, some structures stand alone, while others, on the contrary, are grouped. In addition, in Saudi Arabia, researchers have found pentagonal structures, as well as "wheels" with only two "spokes."
Promotional video:
It is extremely difficult to determine the purpose of the structures, since none of them has yet been excavated. Scientists initially suggested that they might be the remains of houses and cemeteries. However, Kennedy believes that none of these explanations are true. “Perhaps there was some kind of cult in this region, in which it was necessary to create round structures,” says the scientist. Some "geoglyphs" may be ancient cemeteries, he notes.
Photo: David Boyer / utro.ru
According to their purpose, the "wheels" are close to the drawings in the Nazca desert, the researchers say. “If we consider stone circles as a place of worship for ancestors, or a place for rituals associated with astronomical events or the change of the season, then they could serve the same function as the geoglyphs of South America. Even though the design is different,”says Amelia Sparavino of the University of Turin.
