Chinese Archaeologists Find One Of The World's Oldest Observatories

Yahoo/AFP ^ | 10-30-2005

[blam]

Chinese archaeologists find one of world's oldest observatories

Sun Oct 30, 8:45 AM ET

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese archaeologists claim to have found one of the world's oldest observatories, dating back 4,100 years ago.

The observatory was uncovered at the Taosi relics site in Shanxi province, He Nu, a research follow with the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency on Sunday.

The observatory "was not only used for observing astronomical phenomena but also for sacrificial rites", said He.

The remains, in the shape of a semi-circle 40 meters (132 feet) in diameter in the main observation platform and 60 meters (198 feet) in diameter in the outer circle, were made of rammed earth, the report said.

Archaeologists said 13 stone pillars, at least four meters (13 feet) tall, stood on the foundation of the first circle originally, forming 12 gaps between them.

"The ancient people observed the direction of sunrise through the gaps and distinguished the different seasons of the year," said He.

In order to test the theory, archaeologists spent 18 months simulating observations at the site, Xinhua said.

They found that the seasons were only one or two days different from the seasonal division of the traditional Chinese calendar, which is still widely used in China.

The Taosi relics site dates back 4,300 years ago and is believed to be a settlement from the period known in Chinese history as the five legendary rulers (2,600 BC-1,600 BC).

[blam]

GGG Ping.

[JimSEA]

Once again, the "Legendary Kings" turn out not to be fictional, but merely exaggerated in myth. The first, the "Yellow Emperor" has been credited with sophisticated calendars and writing. This would support these beliefs and fit with the later Oracle Bones which must have had some earlier technology to accompany the predictions.

[Eastbound]

Archeoastronomy Lives! (Or is it Astroarcheology?)

Either way, seems that many of the ancient structures were used to mark the beginning of a zodiacal sign. Supposedly erected by the ancient 'gods' whose rule officially began. They didn't have elections. Only pantheons of 12 whose members took turns running the joint at the beginning of each age.

According to myth, etc., their life spans were so long they need a clock to keep track of the centuries rather than the years. Hence, the earliest Rolexes were a little humongous -- anchored in the earth to withstand centuries of erosion and decay. It was a little disconcerting for the olden ones to lose track of time when their reigns were dependant upon having indisputable proof that the prior grand poobah should vacate the throne.

According to myth, Marduk, anxious to take the throne earlier than he should, cheated and used moon time rather than sun time to unseat the reigning king. (Z. Sitchin -- Earth Chronicles).

[Brilliant]

"He Nu"


Yes, but when?

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Blam.

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