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Science Frontiers ONLINE No. 21: May-Jun 1982 |
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Strange Megalithic Monuments In The Central Sahara
Archeologists have recently made some spectacular discoveries of megalithic structures in the central Sahara. This region boasts many V-shaped prehistoric monuments as well as spiral and meandertype carvings. There are even a few cup-and-ring markings, like those so prevalent in northern Europe. Most curious are the so-called "axle-type" monuments, which consist of a central hub with two straight projecting arms.
Early in 1981, the monument shown in the sketch was found in the Immidir district. It is basically V-shaped, with two sets of "auxiliary" arms, one V-type and one axle-type, both of which are detached from the hub like "spare parts." The tips of the north-south arms in the sketch are about 75 meters apart. Clearly, orientation was important to the builders of the monuments, but the asymmetry and auxiliary arms are puzzling. The stonework in these central Saharan monuments is good. Dates are elusive, but all indications are that the sites are ancient.
(Milburn, Mark; "Multi-Arm Stone Tombs of Central Sahara," Antiquity, 55:210, 1981.)
Reference. For more on megalithic ruins in North Africa, consult our Handbook: Ancient Man. This book is described here.
