World’s oldest building that existed long before Stonehenge

World’s oldest building that existed long before Stonehenge
World’s oldest building that existed long before Stonehenge

Göbekli Tepe, believed to be the world's oldest known building!

Since it is at least 11,500 years old, it predates famous ancient structures like Stonehenge and even the first known civilizations in Mesopotamia, as per Express UK.

Göbekli Tepe is an ancient site located in the Germuş Mountains near the Syrian border and features large stone circles with T-shaped pillars made of limestone.

World’s oldest building that existed long before Stonehenge

Unlike Stonehenge, where stones were brought from far away, Göbekli Tepe’s pillars were carved directly from the nearby limestone plateau.

As per the outlet, archaeologists believe the structures were used for ceremonies and social events but their true purpose is still unknown.

Dr Martin Sweatman, from the University of Edinburgh, said, “It appears the inhabitants of Göbekli Tepe were keen observers of the sky.”

Göbekli Tepe's discovery has led to various theories about its origins and purpose with some suggest it might have inspired the Garden of Eden mentioned in the Bible, while others believe it could have been a burial site.

Related: Ireland's oldest university makes historic decision in 433 years

The site was first identified in the 1960 but its significance was not fully recognized until German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt started excavations.

Since then researchers have found dozens of stone circles, some featuring carvings of wild animals like lions, foxes and snakes.

World’s oldest building that existed long before Stonehenge

Göbekli Tepe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is carefully protected to preserve its fragile structures.

Related: Discover world's happiest country with best quality of life

Read more : World
Elon Musk announces launch of new 'America Party' after Trump fallout
Elon Musk announces launch of new 'America Party' after Trump fallout
Tech gaint Musk announces new political party to challenge Trump after ‘big, beautiful bill’ success
World's most beautiful airport named at international design awards
World's most beautiful airport named at international design awards
Several airports were praised for being eco-friendly, visually appealing and convenient for travellers at the awards
UK Weather: Third heatwave in month could hit by mid-July
UK Weather: Third heatwave in month could hit by mid-July
The hot weather is expected to last into the weekend as a high-pressure system is moving in from the west
Wildfires erupt in Greece, Turkey and Syria amid intense heat
Wildfires erupt in Greece, Turkey and Syria amid intense heat
Tough weather conditions have already caused at least nine deaths in different parts of Europe
River Seine all set to welcome swimmers after a century-long ban
River Seine all set to welcome swimmers after a century-long ban
Parisian swimmers celebrate as River Seine reopens after 100-year ban
Most expensive US tourist destination reveal: Aspen wins crown
Most expensive US tourist destination reveal: Aspen wins crown
Aspen named as the priciest destination in America, with a three-day trip costing over $2,700
Dalai Lama on 90th birthday seeks longevity: ‘Hope to live over 130 years
Dalai Lama on 90th birthday seeks longevity: ‘Hope to live over 130 years
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama expresses hope to live over 130 years after successor announcement
Texas flood disaster: Death toll reaches 24 as search for missing continues
Texas flood disaster: Death toll reaches 24 as search for missing continues
Over 20 people, including summer camp children, missing after flash flooding in Texas
Ancient Roman settlement unearthed after rare swords found in Cotswolds
Ancient Roman settlement unearthed after rare swords found in Cotswolds
Two ancient Roman cavalry swords made of iron were found near the village of Willersey about two years ago
Greece heatwave alert: Temperatures to soar above 42C as heat dome hits
Greece heatwave alert: Temperatures to soar above 42C as heat dome hits
Some parts of Greece including Thessaly, Attica and Athens are expected to experience extreme weather
UK Universal Studios to feature Europe’s tallest rides in biggest-ever theme park
UK Universal Studios to feature Europe’s tallest rides in biggest-ever theme park
this theme park is expected to be the biggest in Europe, covering 476 acres in Bedfordshire
Melania Trump's 'terrible' pet name revealed by Donald Trump in candid admission
Melania Trump's 'terrible' pet name revealed by Donald Trump in candid admission
Trump's statement comes after Melania teased his golf habit during a surprise visit to Children's National Hospital