In the ancient island of Malta, a long-held theory has been turned on its head. Recent discoveries suggest that some of the 5,000-year-old megalithic temples were not just places of worship, but also tools for teaching sailors how to navigate by the stars.
The alignment of some megalithic temples in Malta suggests they may have been used to teach sailors how to navigate by the ‘stars.’
Seven 5000-year-old temples were constructed across the Maltese archipelago from 3800 to 2300 BC, featuring large, cut stones weighing several tonnes. These complexes are among the earliest megalithic structures ever built.
Megalithic temples are ancient structures built using large stones, often without the use of mortar.
These temples were constructed by various civilizations, including the Neolithic farmers in Europe and the Dravidian people in South India.
Examples include 'Stonehenge' in England and the 'Megalithic Temples of Malta'.
Typically, these temples feature a central chamber surrounded by rows of standing stones.
The purpose and meaning behind megalithic temples are still debated among archaeologists and historians.
Features of these ancient temples display characteristics associated with ritual behaviour. While most researchers agree on this aspect, some argue that they may have served a more practical purpose – teaching celestial navigation. The orientation of some temples towards specific stars supports this theory.
Celestial navigation is a method of determining one's position and course by observing the positions of celestial bodies such as 'stars' , 'planets' , and the 'sun' .
This technique has been used for centuries by sailors and travelers to navigate across oceans and vast distances.
Celestial navigation involves using astronomical tables and instruments like sextants to measure angles between celestial objects and their reflections in the ocean or a chart.
The method is based on the principles of trigonometry and astronomy , allowing users to calculate their latitude and longitude with reasonable accuracy.
The alignment of Għar Dalam and other temples seems to be deliberately aimed at the constellations of Orion and Cygnus. This suggests that ancient sailors may have used these structures as a learning tool, helping them develop their skills in navigating by the ‘stars.’ The construction of these temples, with their sophisticated stone-cutting techniques, also points to a high level of technical expertise.
Constellations are groups of stars that, when connected, form patterns or shapes on the celestial sphere.
There are 88 officially recognized constellations, each named after a mythological figure, animal, or object.
The ancient Greeks were among the first to catalog and name constellations, with many still bearing their original names today.
Constellations serve as navigational aids for astronomers and travelers alike, helping to locate positions in the night sky.
This idea is supported by recent archaeological discoveries, which have shown that ancient Maltese people were capable of complex astronomical observations and calculations. It is possible that they used these skills to develop their own navigation systems, using the ‘stars’ as a primary source of guidance.
- newscientist.com | Ancient Maltese temples may have been schools for celestial navigation
