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Egypt

Nabta Playa

Neolithic ceremonial and astronomical site in Egypt

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

Nabta Playa is an archaeological site located in the Nubian Desert of southern Egypt, representing one of the earliest known ceremonial centers in the region. Dating back to the 9th millennium BCE, this site exhibits significant evidence of Neolithic occupation, characterized by small seasonal camps that evolved into more permanent settlements with villages and wells. The site is renowned for its stone alignments and structures, believed to serve astronomical functions, indicating a sophisticated understanding of celestial events among the site's inhabitants. Nabta Playa also features pottery production and evidence of domesticated cattle, reflecting the cultural and technological advancements during the Neolithic period. The site's significance lies in its role as a potential precursor to later religious practices in Ancient Egypt, marked by its cattle cult and ceremonial activities.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Nabta Playa

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Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Water Management Features

Wells

Religious and Ritual Structures

Stone CirclesSacrificial Pits

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Cattle Pens

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Villages

Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

Stone Alignments

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Egypt
Source
Wikipedia