The discovery of astronomical maps took place 2,500 years ago

Behind the fortifications of an ancient castle in northeastern Italy, an interesting artifact is hidden. Excavations carried out north of Trieste, at the site of Castelleri di Rubinbeccolo, led to the discovery of two ancient astronomical maps. In a study published in Astronomical notes On November 22, two archaeologists detailed the characteristics of their unique find. Because the maps on the highlands of the Adriatic coast date back to the 4th century^H Century BC. It is engraved in two circular stones.

The sky was carefully examined during primitive history

The two stones on the Rupinpiccolo hill are 50 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. The first is a representation of the sun, while the second appears studded with dots. Scientists first tried to determine whether these marks were caused by erosion. On the flat surface of the disc, archaeologists counted 24 holes in the front, and divided them into groups. Five additional marks are indicated on the reverse side.

By guessing a symbolic order, a small group of scientists was formed to decipher the stone disc. Astronomers were able to prove the usefulness of the inscriptions: they represent a map of the heavenly dome. The 24 signs symbolize three constellations and a star cluster. Researchers have identified Cassiopeia, Scorpio, Orion, and the Pleiades. the site Archio News Reports indicate that astronomers ran simulations on Stellarium to successfully determine the exact location of stars in the night sky 2,500 years ago in Western Europe. From the hill on which the enclosing wall was built, it was possible to see a star that is not visible today because it was so low on the horizon. The name of the thing Theta ScorpioThe fact that its position on the stone corresponds to the arrangement found on the Stellarium greatly strengthens the celestial map hypothesis.

Founding of the Illyrians during antiquity

The Rubinpicolo maps represent a wonderful opportunity to understand the progress of society in Italy, during the four centuries BC. The map was drilled using a hammer and chisel with a tip length of six to seven millimeters, which made it possible to obtain such an impressive result. A few kilometers south of Trieste, on the border post Castelier From Illyria, archaeologists have obtained a similar tool made of bronze.

At the end of the Bronze Age, several tribes were founded in northeastern Italy, dating back to the Illyrian culture. The Illyrians then extended from northern Greece to present-day Veneto. Their history is not well commented on, with only a few scattered writings such as those of Thucydides that speak of societies living in the north of the continent, with customs very different from those of the Greeks. The excavations at Castelliere di Rupinpiccolo therefore allow us to lift the veil on some of their customs and knowledge. However, astronomers noticed the presence of an unidentified sign. Is there a hypothetical supernova that remains unknown to this day but visible to our distant ancestors? The investigation continues to uncover the mystery.