The Age-Old Debate: Ancient Egypt VS Gobekli Tepe

Throughout history, the debate over which ancient civilization is older has sparked numerous discussions among archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts alike. One of the most intriguing debates revolves around Ancient Egypt and Gobekli Tepe. This article explores the significance of these ancient sites and delves into the evidence surrounding each, ultimately concluding that Gobekli Tepe stands as the older of the two.

Bridge Between Myth and History: The Sumerian and Egyptian Civilizations

The Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations are often discussed in the context of human development. While the Egyptian civilization is celebrated for its grand structures and advanced societal structures, the ancient Sumerians and their relation to Gobekli Tepe often go unnoticed. The Sumerians, living in Mesopotamia, had a deep reverence for deities and markings believed to hail from archaeological findings at Gobekli Tepe. The Sumerians would often celebrate deities, giving them offerings of food, and there are remnants of similar practices in modern-day South India and North Sri Lanka in structures like Gobekli-Kovil.

Understanding Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe, located in southeastern Turkey, is one of the oldest known megalithic structures. Discovered in the early 1960s, it has challenged our understanding of early human history. Estimated to have been built around 9500 BC, Gobekli Tepe predates Stonehenge by over 6,000 years and is a testament to the architectural achievements of neolithic societies. The site features numerous T-shaped pillars adorned with animal figurines, providing insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the time.

Debating the Age of Ancient Egypt

While the structures at Gobekli Tepe were built around 9500 BC, the Egyptian civilization's structures date back to around 2500 BC. This places Egypt as a more recent civilization in terms of large-scale construction. However, it is important to consider that human activity and settlements in post-Ice Age times extend back to approximately 20,000 to 10,000 BC. Settlements from this period were often simpler structures, such as microliths, which do not represent the monumental architecture of Gobekli Tepe.

Religion and Mythology: Connecting the Dots

Given that the Egyptian civilization is known for its religious temples and practices, a common misconception is that the Sumerians and Egyptians had distinct religious beliefs. However, the Sumerians, like modern-day Tamil people, had a polytheistic belief system. There are tablets and cuneiform writings that suggest the Sumerians believed in an afterlife, with the soul continuing after the body had decayed. This belief is further supported by literary works such as the Tamil Mammal, which speaks of the death and subsequent rebirth of a person.

Comparative Analysis: Gobekli Tepe vs. Ancient Egyptian Civilizations

When comparing Gobekli Tepe and Ancient Egypt, historians and archaeologists often cite the age of large-scale structures. While the temples of ancient Egypt date back to around 2500 BC, Gobekli Tepe was constructed around 9500 BC. This means that Gobekli Tepe has a significant historical advantage. Moreover, the burials found at places like Gobekli Tepe and the religious practices depicted in Sumerian tablets suggest a long-standing belief in afterlife and spiritual practices.

Conclusion: Gobekli Tepe as the Older Civilization

In conclusion, while both Ancient Egypt and Gobekli Tepe have played crucial roles in human history, Gobekli Tepe holds the title of being the older of the two. Despite the vast differences in the structures and beliefs between these civilizations, the archaeological evidence clearly indicates that Gobekli Tepe predates many other known ancient structures. It is a historical fact that Gobekli Tepe is currently recognized as the oldest known stone temple in the world, a discovery that continues to challenge our understanding of early human societies.