Archaeologists Unearth 4,000-Year-Old Sun Sanctuary in Tiel

Title: Archaeologists Unearth 4,000-Year-Old Sun Sanctuary in Tiel

Date: June 21, 2023

Archaeologists in Tiel have made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering traces of a large sanctuary that dates back four thousand years. The holy site, dedicated to the sun, has been described as a significant find by the municipality of Tiel.

Spanning an area equivalent to three to four football fields, the sanctuary has been in use for an impressive eight hundred years. During the excavation, archaeologists unearthed the remains of approximately eighty individuals who were either buried or cremated at the site. In addition to these human remains, over a million other artifacts were discovered, including a clothing needle and a glass bead from Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).

The complex, as described by the archaeologists, consisted of various features such as mounds, wooden piles, cemeteries, and a “ritual road.” Notably, the largest hill within the sanctuary housed a solar calendar, which likely served as a tool for determining important dates such as harvest days.

Moreover, the largest hill also functioned as an observatory. It is believed that a priest would stand atop the flat hill, possibly beside a large pole, to observe the position of the sun. Additional poles surrounding the hill acted as markers, aiding the priest in determining the precise time of the year.

The sanctuary was surrounded by a shallow ditch with several passages. On specific days, the sun’s rays would shine directly through these passageways onto the hill, reminiscent of the famous Stonehenge monument in England. In these areas of direct sunlight, archaeologists discovered animal skeletons, human skulls, and various artifacts, including a bronze spearhead. They also found remnants of a decayed wooden farm, complete with weaving weights and axes.

The excavations initially took place in 2017 on an industrial site, but it was only after years of meticulous research that archaeologists recently made this spectacular discovery. The sheer volume of finds necessitated an extensive period of analysis before a clear picture of the excavations could emerge.

The municipality of Tiel has expressed excitement over the findings, drawing parallels between the sanctuary and Stonehenge due to the alignment of the sun’s rays. This discovery sheds new light on the ancient practices and beliefs of the people who once inhabited the region.

As further research and analysis are conducted, this remarkable archaeological site is expected to provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of the past. The discovery of the four-thousand-year-old sun sanctuary in Tiel stands as a testament to the rich history and heritage of the area.

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Enclosures, and altars, all arranged in a way that suggests it was a place of communal worship. The primary focus of the sanctuary was the sun, as evident from the numerous solar symbols found throughout the site.

The discovery of this sun sanctuary in Tiel provides valuable insights into the religious practices and cultural beliefs of the people who lived in the region four thousand years ago. It suggests a strong connection to solar worship, which was common in many ancient civilizations. The large size of the sanctuary indicates that it held great importance within the community, likely serving as a gathering place for religious ceremonies and rituals.

The presence of human remains at the site offers further clues about the religious practices of the ancient inhabitants. The fact that individuals were buried or cremated at the sanctuary suggests a belief in an afterlife or a spiritual connection between the deceased and the sun deity. The artifacts found at the site, such as the clothing needle and glass bead from Mesopotamia, hint at possible trade or cultural exchanges between different regions during that time.

The discovery of the sun sanctuary in Tiel adds another layer to our understanding of ancient civilizations and their religious practices. It highlights the significance of the sun in their belief systems and provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who built and used this sacred site thousands of years ago. The ongoing excavation and study of the sanctuary will undoubtedly reveal even more details about this fascinating ancient culture.