The Settled Science Unsettled

[poliphilo]

 The story is told (and is probably true) of the distinguished archaeologist who was asked to take a look at the newly discovered megalithic site at Gobekli Tepe in southern Turkey. He was told that all the readings were coming up with dates around 11,000 years ago. "That can't be the case," he said- or words to that effect- *Because we know for a fact that human civilisation is only 5,000 years old. Your readings must be wrong." And with that he walked away from the most sensational archaelogical discovery of recent years.

I've been watching a video about Karahan Tepe- a similar site in the same area- on which the archaeologists have only just begun working. It's the same age,constructed along the same lines- with huge "T" shaped pillars carved out of the bedrock- and the effort and skill that went into its construction are breathtaking...

We know nothing about the culture that produced these monuments- except that they were flourishing at the end of the last Ice Age, when the old paradigm had our ancestors running about in skins going "Ugh!"

We thought we knew about the human past. Only we didn't. There's so much still to learn...

Comments

[mallorys_camera]

There are a whole bunch of unexcavated sites around Gobekli Tepe. They really are something.

[poliphilo]

Had I known what I now know I'd have abandoned Eng Lit and studied archaeology.

[mallorys_camera]

Ha, ha. benicek studied archeology. And is now a nurse. 😀

I think probably the best thing is to become a plumber. And then read whatever the hell you want. 😀

[cmcmck]

Yes and he worked on the Roman town of Viroconium where we were visiting yesterday! :o)

[cmcmck]

'We know for a fact' is always a dangerous statement to place before a historian!

[poliphilo]

Certainly!