Goseck circle

Goseck Circle

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Aerial view of the Goseck Circle

Alternative name
Location	Goseck, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Region	Central Europe
Coordinates
OS grid reference
Altitude
Grid position
Type	Neolithic circular enclosure
Part of
Length	75 m (diameter)

The Goseck Circle is an early Neolithic circular enclosure located near the village of Goseck in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. It is one of the oldest known solar observatories in the world, dating back to approximately 4900 BC. The site is associated with the Linear Pottery culture and is considered a significant archaeological discovery for understanding prehistoric astronomy and ritual practices.

Discovery and Excavation

The Goseck Circle was first identified in 1991 through aerial photography, which revealed a circular pattern in the fields near Goseck. Subsequent excavations began in 2002, led by archaeologists from the University of Halle-Wittenberg. The site was found to consist of a circular ditch with a diameter of about 75 meters, surrounded by a palisade of wooden posts.

Structure and Features

The Goseck Circle is characterized by its concentric ditches and palisades, with three sets of gates aligned with the winter solstice sunrise and sunset. This alignment suggests that the site was used for astronomical observations, particularly for tracking the solar calendar. The precise construction of the gates indicates a sophisticated understanding of solar movements by the Neolithic builders.

Function and Significance

The primary function of the Goseck Circle is believed to have been as a solar observatory, used to mark important dates in the solar calendar, such as solstices and equinoxes. This would have been crucial for agricultural societies to determine the timing of planting and harvesting. Additionally, the site likely held ritual significance, serving as a place for ceremonies and gatherings.

Reconstruction and Public Access

In 2005, the Goseck Circle was reconstructed based on archaeological findings, allowing visitors to experience the site as it might have appeared in the Neolithic period. The reconstruction includes wooden palisades and gates, providing insight into the construction techniques and cultural practices of the time.

Also see

• Nebra sky disk
• Stonehenge
• Newgrange
• Archaeoastronomy
• Linear Pottery culture