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7 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt — Discover the details of humanity's oldest construction

Published 07/02/2025 às 20:57
Updated 08/02/2025 às 10:52
Construction, Pyramids of Egypt,
Discover the oldest construction known to mankind! At 7 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt, this structure challenges what we know about history. Photo: Reproduction

Archaeologists have identified a construction that may be the oldest ever built by humans, surpassing the Pyramids of Egypt by thousands of years.

Located in southeastern Turkey, Göbekli Tepe is one of the most intriguing archaeological sites ever discovered. Dating back to approximately 11.500 years, much older than the Pyramids of Egypt, challenges traditional conceptions about the construction capabilities of Neolithic societies.

This monumental complex, composed of large stone blocks and pillars carved with figures of wild animals, suggests a planning advanced architectural at a time when humans were still hunter-gatherers.

Göbekli Tepe was built around 9.500 BC, while the great pyramids of Egypt, such as that of Cheops, date back to approximately 2.500 BC. This means that Göbekli Tepe is about 7.000 years older than the pyramids.

The discovery of Göbekli Tepe was made in 1994 by the German archaeologist Klaus schmidt, who recognized its importance immediately.

He suggested that the site not only represented one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture, but could also indicate a revolution in the social and religious organization of early human communities.

Before this discovery, it was believed that complex societies only emerged after the transition to agriculture, but Göbekli Tepe suggests that large social gatherings and coordinated efforts existed well before this time.

3D reconstruction

The architectural complexity of Göbekli Tepe

Göbekli Tepe consists of a series of circular structures, each containing monolithic T-shaped pillars that can measure up to 5,5 meters in height and weigh between 10 and 20 tons.

These pillars are richly decorated with carvings of animals such as snakes, foxes, lions and vultures, as well as abstract patterns.

The precision and amount of detail suggest that these buildings were not built at random, but rather meticulously planned.

Initial studies indicated that Göbekli Tepe was built over several centuries, with different hunter-gatherer groups adding new elements to the site.

However, more recent research, led by scientist Gil Haklay of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Professor Avi Gopher of Tel Aviv University, suggests that the building may have been planned as a single structure.

Using an algorithm to analyze architectural patterns, researchers found that the spaces between the monuments form a nearly perfect equilateral triangle, indicating intentional geometric planning.

This discovery is significant because it suggests that Neolithic societies mastered mathematical concepts much earlier than previously thought.

Historical and cultural implications

The discovery of Göbekli Tepe and its complex architectural structures profoundly challenges traditional theories about the development of early human societies.

It was believed that only after the agricultural revolution, around 10.000 years ago, did humans begin to develop advanced construction techniques.

However, Göbekli Tepe proves that geometric knowledge and architectural planning existed long before that.

This raises fundamental questions about the nature of the society that built Göbekli Tepe. Whether the site was a religious center or ceremonial, it may have played a crucial role in the transition from nomadic groups to more sedentary communities.

Some archaeologists speculate that the gatherings at Göbekli Tepe could have led to the need to produce food on a large scale, accelerating the adoption of agriculture.

Furthermore, the complexity of the sanctuary suggests the existence of a hierarchical society, with individuals specialized in specific functions, such as sculpture, architecture and work organization.

This contradicts the traditional view that early Neolithic groups were egalitarian and did not have a clear division of tasks.

Human Statue next to T-pillar at Karahan Tepe. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism)

Life around Göbekli Tepe

Recent research suggests that Göbekli Tepe may not have been just an isolated temple, but rather part of a thriving village. Archaeological evidence has revealed the presence of small dwellings and signs of animal domestication.

This reinforces the hypothesis that the site was a ceremonial center regularly frequented by different groups over time.

Animal remains found at the site suggest that hunter-gatherers brought large quantities of meat to be consumed during ceremonies.

This indicates a high level of cooperation between groups and a sophisticated understanding of resource management.

Furthermore, the organization required for the construction of Göbekli Tepe suggests that humans were already developing rudimentary forms of economy based on collective labor.

The legacy of the Göbekli Tepe construction

The archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe continues to amaze archaeologists and historians. Its complex structures, intriguing symbolism and advanced planning indicate that Stone Age humans were far more sophisticated than previously thought.

The discovery also raises questions about how and why the site was eventually abandoned and buried.

The scientists' work continues, with new excavations and analyses revealing details about the people who built and used this mysterious temple.

Meanwhile, Göbekli Tepe remains one of archaeology's greatest enigmas, challenging our ideas about the past and the very origins of human civilization.

With information BBC NEWS, Sci.news, and Cambridge.

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Arcelina
Arcelina
08/02/2025 08:40

Hunter gatherers????
Who planned and made these monuments?
Are you kidding me…

freitas fernandes
freitas fernandes
08/02/2025 09:38

No one buried or abandoned
Nada, o dilúvio fez isso, por causa da ira de Deus contra a humanidade. Grandes monumentos em todo mundo são obras dos gigantes que aqui viveram. Assistam o livro de Enoque no YouTube. O NOSSO FIM ESTÁ PRÓXIMO, ACEITEM JESUS COMO SALVADOR

Marlos Silva
Marlos Silva
08/02/2025 11:13

Here in Brazil, humans already existed long before these people, but they used caves and huts instead of building with stones and bricks.

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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