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Astrometry ; Space Sciences ; Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture
Չվերահսկվող բանալի բառեր:
G¨obekli Tepe ; Enclosure D ; Pillar 18 ; Pillar 19 ; Pillar 12 ; Pleiades ; Seven ; Sisters ; Shadow analysis ; Ancient Gnomons ; Lunar Standstill ; Winter Solstice ; Lunisolar calendar ; Pre-Pottery Neolithic
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This study examines the possible gnomonic (shadow-measurement) function of Pillars 18 and 19 in Enclosure D at Portasar (G¨obekli Tepe), based on precise architectural measurements, an analysis of the Sun’s and Moon’s culminations, and calculations of the astronomical conditions around 9500 BCE. Unlike previously proposed iconographic or symbolic interpretations, the present analysis is built exclusively on an empirical basis, without making prior assumptions about the meaning of the carved motifs. The results show that the shadow boundaries produced by the mutual alignment of Pillars 18 and 19 correspond systematically to the winter solstice, the periods around the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, as well as to the Moon’s culminations during its major and minor standstills. Particularly significant is the fact that the arrangement of the seven birds carved on the pedestal of Pillar 18 coincides with the movement of Pillar 19’s midday shadow and reflects the period during which the seven stars of the Pleiades are not visible. This correspondence outlines a winter period of approximately 206.5 days, comprising seven synodic lunar months. Overall, the findings suggest that Pillars 18 and 19 of Enclosure D may have functioned as elements of a shadow-based calendrical system capable of explaining the associated iconography. By contrast, the widely cited “roofed building” hypothesis faces substantial difficulties in accounting for the observed reliefs.