USA's Mysterious Heritage: Ancient Petroglyphs Discovered for Astronomical Use
Written on
Chapter 1: A Glimpse into the Past
In Colorado, archaeologists have recently made a remarkable discovery of expansive rock panels adorned with hundreds of petroglyphs. These ancient carvings, created centuries ago by the Pueblo Indians, were utilized for astronomical purposes, notably to track solstices and equinoxes.
[Photo: mark byzewski, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
For millennia, humans have engaged in the practice of inscribing or painting on cave walls and rock surfaces—a tradition observed globally. The meanings and purposes of these artistic representations, however, differ significantly based on cultural and historical contexts. Recent findings in Colorado shed light on the ancient Pueblo culture.
Unexpected Discoveries
Among archaeologists, there are anecdotes of astonishing findings made just before the conclusion of a dig. A notable example is the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb, where workers found a staircase leading to the burial site just as they were about to finish. A similar scenario unfolded in Colorado this year.
As researchers were wrapping up their exploration of three canyons—Sand Canyon, Graveyard Canyon, and Rock Creek Canyon—local accounts hinted that the higher elevations might contain undiscovered artifacts. Upon investigating these claims, the team was astonished by what they uncovered.
[Photo: Tobias Deml, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
What Did Researchers Find?
Accessing these newly uncovered rock panels is no easy feat, which likely contributed to their long-standing obscurity. The journey from the cliff dwellings, once home to the Pueblo Indians, involves a challenging trek of approximately 800 meters, with elevations ranging from tens to over 120 meters. It typically takes an hour to reach these sites.
What they found was breathtaking: countless petroglyphs located 800 meters above the Pueblo dwellings. Vast rock panels, featuring flat walls adorned with carvings, extend for about 4 kilometers around a large plateau. The Pueblo Indians engraved spirals on these surfaces, some reaching a diameter of up to 1 meter, resulting in several hundred distinct carvings.
Functionality of the Colorado Petroglyphs
Researchers believe these carvings were instrumental for astronomical observations, marking significant days such as the summer and winter solstices, along with the spring and autumn equinoxes. The sheer number of carvings provides valuable insights into the population that inhabited these canyons centuries ago, prompting a reevaluation of the demographic estimates for the 13th century.
In addition to their astronomical significance, these petroglyphs illuminate aspects of religious practices. Experts suggest that rituals may have occurred at these newly discovered sites, challenging the previously held belief that all ceremonial activities in the 13th century were confined to settlements, especially during a time marked by conflict.
Research Efforts in Colorado
Since 2011, scientists have been engaged in research in Colorado as part of the Sand Canyon-Castle Rock Archaeological Project. This year's endeavors were primarily supported by Mare Nostrum and grants from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, overseeing the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument area.
The oldest tree in Europe, which dates back to the Ice Age, was also recently uncovered. This ancient tree, believed to be over 9,500 years old, stands in Sweden.
Dear Readers
I want to take a moment to address an issue affecting content creators like myself on Medium.com. Despite our dedication to producing valuable content, the financial compensation for our efforts is often minimal. If you appreciate my articles, consider supporting me on my “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your contributions, no matter how small, can inspire me to keep creating engaging and thought-provoking content. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
