Researchers Find Unique Rock Carving, Could Be One of the First Attempts by Human Civilizations to Depict Sky

It seems that, like modern humans, ancient societies also had an interest in stories spelt out by stars. A stone carving found in the Rhodope Mountains in southern Bulgaria confirmed this finding, as reported by ArkeoNews. Discovered in 2013 during a field expedition, the carving appears to be reflecting a prehistoric star map. Researchers believe that it could be one of the first attempts by humans to depict the night sky in stone. Further examination of this map could reveal new insights about how ancient civilizations in the Balkans perceived astronomy and whether it had any association with their spiritual life. 

Discovery of the Star-Studded Rock

The rock carving was uncovered by Georgi Georgiev and Ivelina Georgieva during an expedition near the ancient Thracian necropolis. They found it deep in the forest, oriented on the east-west axis. Per the estimations, the rock could be around 6*9 feet in dimensions. Also, they spotted a natural vein on its surface. Several conical holes of varying measurements were also visible on the rock. 24 were present in the northern half, while 32 were in the southern portion. Findings suggest that the holes were of differing measurements, as they reflected stars of distinct magnitudes. Moreover, researchers believed that the natural vein represented the Milky Way Galaxy. Also, they determined some possible constellations on the rock, such as Leo and Ursa Major (the Great Bear). For constellations like the Pleiades star cluster, Lyra, Cassiopeia, and Cygnus, they had to incorporate certain alignments, not present in the rock, with patterns made by the holes, to trace their outlines. 

What Did the Map Represent?

Seeing the arrangement of holes, the map reflected the annual and diurnal motions of celestial bodies. The creators focused on these motions taking place in the Northern Hemisphere. The rock acted as some sort of a star clock, aiding individuals to track time and seasons, based on the placement of circumpolar stars. How the constellations are arranged, along with their configuration and scale, further suggests that the ancient communities had an advanced understanding of astronomy, than previously believed. Similar designs have also been detected in coins and jewelry from the first and second centuries AD. It implies that ancient astronomical knowledge was reflected in artistic and cultural creations by communities. 

The makers also focused on the appeal of the rock, as they specifically chose a specimen with a higher concentration of mica, so that it shines under sunlight. It was done to represent the night sky by the community. The nearby establishments, such as tombs, sanctuary remnants, and necropolises, suggested that the place could have been part of a cultic complex. Individuals may be using the object as a spiritual haven and a navigational tool for traveling. Considering the past spiritual and scientific importance of the discovery, the pair who uncovered the star map requested the authorities to include the carving in Bulgaria’s national archaeological registry. It is not the first time a star map on rock has come up in the mountain of Rhodopes, according to Bolana-MG Travel. In the past, another ancient star map had been detected in Kozi Kamuk (Goat stone), possibly dating back to the Bronze Age. 

Dating of the Artifact

Researchers claim that radiocarbon dating is not possible for the carving, as no organic material has yet been uncovered from the site. However, places near the carving, such as Thracian necropolises and several mound tombs, along with similarities to other prehistoric structures in the Balkans, led experts to assert that it was made somewhere between 2000 and 500 BCE. It means that it dates back to somewhere around the Late Neolithic to Early Iron Age. The dating aligns with other studies, which indicates that individuals from these periods were observing the sky and recording their insights for ritual and agricultural purposes. Experts have already conducted several non-invasive examinations on the object, like geological sampling, GPS mapping, traceology, and heliacal sunrise observations, which support the assertions regarding the rock's astronomical and anthropological importance.