Sonnenobservatorium Goseck
Facts and practical information
Nestled amidst the bucolic landscapes of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the Sonnenobservatorium Goseck, or Goseck Circle, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of prehistoric Europeans. This Neolithic archaeological site, dating back to approximately 4900 BCE, is one of the earliest known solar observatories in the world, illustrating the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of the era.
The Goseck Circle is characterized by a circular ditch encircling a diameter of about 75 meters. Within this ditch, palisade rings once stood, punctuated by gates aligned with the sunrise and sunset during the winter solstice. This precise orientation suggests that the site was used for ritualistic purposes and to track the solar calendar, marking a significant leap in the cognitive and cultural development of prehistoric societies.
Excavations at the site have revealed a wealth of information about the structure's origins and the people who built it. Artefacts such as pottery fragments, animal bones, and stone tools provide a glimpse into the daily life of the community that once thrived around the observatory.
Saxony-Anhalt