Scientists in Turkey have discovered a 13,000-year-old calendar. This ancient calendar is carved into a large stone pillar and is believed to be the oldest solar and lunar calendar in the world. It is thought that this calendar might have been created to mark a catastrophic comet impact. Here’s what the recent study about this ancient find says.

Archaeologists found carvings on stone pillars in Göbekli Tepe, located in southern Turkey. Göbekli Tepe is a well-known archaeological site famous for its numerous temples. The carvings found there are a major attraction. A study published on July 24 in the journal Time and Mind mentions this 13,000-year-old calendar.

According to the University of Edinburgh, the study reveals that the pillar has V-shaped marks, totaling 365. Researchers believe each mark represents one day. The calendar also shows 12 lunar months and 11 extra days. Besides these V-shaped marks, researchers also found a bird-like figure with a similar V-shaped mark around its neck. This is thought to represent the summer solstice constellation of that time.

Another significant detail about these carvings is that they were likely made around 10,850 B.C. It is believed that a comet impact at that time might have been recorded by these carvings. The images suggest that people of that era could record their observations of the sun, moon, and stars in the form of a solar calendar.

Researchers believe that the comet impact might have triggered the start of an Ice Age on Earth. This event could have led to cultural changes at Göbekli Tepe and possibly the emergence of new cults or religions. Martin Sweatman, an engineer and study author from the University of Edinburgh, said that the residents of Göbekli Tepe were very interested in celestial events and studied them regularly. It is possible that a comet devastated their world.