Archaeologists uncover 5,000-year-old star map carved in stone in Bulgaria

Sofia: A fascinating new discovery in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria is capturing the attention of the scientific community. Researchers Georgi Georgiev and Ivelina Georgieva unearthed a unique stone with carvings that appear to depict a star map, believed to be one of the earliest known attempts at recording the night sky. The find, near the village of Skobelevo, has profound implications for our understanding of ancient astronomy and the cultural practices of prehistoric societies. The stone’s detailed carvings suggest an advanced knowledge of celestial phenomena, adding an intriguing new layer to the study of archaeoastronomy.

The discovery of the Skobelevo star map was not the result of a planned excavation but rather an accidental find during a routine field expedition. On May 20, 2013, Georgiev and Georgieva were exploring the area near an ancient Thracian necropolis when they stumbled upon the carved rock. Measuring around 2×3 meters, the stone’s most striking feature is its arrangement of 56 conical holes, some larger and others smaller, which are distributed across the northern and southern halves of the stone. These holes are believed to represent stars of varying brightness, with the rock itself aligned along an east-west axis.

Researchers speculate that the natural vein of marble embedded within the stone is symbolic of the Milky Way, further reinforcing its connection to the cosmos. This is not just an archaeological site but a link to an ancient worldview, where the heavens were not just a backdrop for daily life but a vital component of spiritual and agricultural practices.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this discovery is its implication for the understanding of early astronomy. The star map appears to outline several well-known constellations, such as Ursa Major, Leo, and the Pleiades. There are also indications of other star groupings, like Cassiopeia and Cygnus, all of which suggest a sophisticated knowledge of the night sky. Experts believe that the carvings may have served as a form of celestial navigation, helping early peoples track time and seasons through the movement of the stars.

The sheer precision of the carvings points to an advanced understanding of astronomy, far beyond what one might expect from such ancient societies. Some researchers propose that the rock could have functioned as a primitive star clock, a tool for marking the passage of time based on the positions of circumpolar stars. This kind of knowledge would have been invaluable not only for agricultural activities but also for rituals and the observance of important celestial events.

In addition to its astronomical importance, the Skobelevo star map may also have held significant cultural and ritual value. Archaeological evidence from nearby sites, including necropolises and tombs, suggests that this area could have been part of a larger cultic complex. The carvings on the rock may have been used for ceremonial purposes, possibly linked to ancient rituals tied to the movements of the stars and the changing of seasons.

The presence of another stone at the site, with a cylindrical indentation aligned to the east, raises the possibility that these rocks were deliberately paired, possibly serving dual functions as both a ritual object and a navigational tool. This further supports the theory that the site was not just a functional tool for ancient peoples, but also a deeply symbolic and spiritual monument.

The star map offers an extraordinary insight into the cosmological beliefs of prehistoric societies in the Balkans. It suggests that these early people did not merely look to the sky for practical reasons but were deeply engaged in understanding and interpreting celestial phenomena. The fact that they carved these symbols into stone, which would have required significant effort and planning, indicates the importance they placed on the stars in their worldview.

This discovery challenges modern assumptions about the sophistication of early civilizations. While we often associate astronomical knowledge with advanced societies, the Skobelevo star map reveals that even in the Late Neolithic to Early Iron Age, people had a profound understanding of the universe that influenced their cultural and spiritual practices.