World’s oldest building that existed long before Stonehenge

Archaeologists believe the structures were used for ceremonies and social events

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.

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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.

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