Satellite imagery measures of the astronomically aligned megaliths at Nabta Playa
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.5, No.1, 2005, pages 15-24
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Pages:
15-24
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Articles
Author:
Abstract:
The Nabta Playa megalithic complex consists of two types of features: first are large stones, many ofthem shaped, placed on or in the sediments of an ancient seasonal lake bed that is now hyper-arid;second are large sculpted bedrock features underneath the sediments and associated with thesurface megaliths (Wendorf et al. 1992). The astronomically aligned surface megalithic structuresdescribed in field reports (Wendorf and Malville, 2001) are identified in recent georectified 60 cmpanchromatic satellite imagery of Nabta Playa, southern Egypt. The satellite images allowrefinement, often significant, of the reported locations of the megaliths (Malville et ai. 1998, andWendorf and Malville 2001). The report that a primary megalithic alignment was constructed topoint to the bright star Sirius, circa 4,820 BC, is reconsidered in light of the satellite data, new fielddata, radiocarbon, lithostratigraphic and geochronologic data, and the playa sedimentation history.Other possible archaeoastronomical interpretations are considered for that alignment, includingthe three star asterism (of Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka) circa 6,270 BC that is also implicated inthe small Nabta Playa 'calendar circle'. Signatures of other possible features apparent in thesatellite imagery and a recent field study are also considered. Only a small number of thesubsurface bedrock sculptures have been excavated. We recommend the use of ground penetratingimaging methods to illuminate the known but not yet excavated subsurface features. The problemof determining the astronomical intent of the builders of the megalithic structures is approached byconsidering the complex of features as a whole.
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Keywords:
Nabta Playa, Egypt, Megaliths, Satellite, Orion's Belt, GPS
