9621 Agnes Crossing, Lake Suzanneview, New Mexico Island 84604-9295.
Largely unstudied for 4,000 years, a boulder with mysterious markings has now been dubbed a “treasure map” for archaeologists who use it to search for ancient sites in
Largely unstudied for 4,000 years, a boulder with mysterious markings has now been dubbed a “treasure map” for archaeologists who use it to search for ancient sites in northwestern France. In 2021, researchers recognized the so-called Saint-Béléc plate as the oldest map of Europe, and have since been trying to understand the engravings on it to help date the plate and rediscover lost landmarks.
“Using maps to find archaeological sites is a great approach. We never work like that,” said professor Ivan Peiller from the University of Western Brittany (UBO).
Ancient sites are often discovered accidentally using advanced radar equipment, aerial photographs, or when digging the foundations of new buildings in cities.
“It’s a treasure map,” Payler said.
But the team is just beginning their search for treasure.
The ancient map marks an area of about 30 x 21 kilometers, and Peiller’s colleague Clément Nicolas from the CNRS research institute said they had to examine the entire area and cross-reference the markings on the plate. According to him, this work could take 15 years.
Nicholas and Pyler were part of the team that rediscovered the plate in 2014; The plate was first found in 1900 by a local historian who did not understand its significance. French experts were joined by colleagues from other institutions in France and abroad and began to unravel its secrets.
“There were several engraved symbols that made immediate sense,” Pyler said.
Among the harsh hummocks and plate lines, they could see the rivers and mountains of Roudualec, part of the Brittany region, about 500 kilometers west of Paris. Researchers scanned the plate and compared it to existing maps and found about an 80 percent match.
“We haven’t yet identified all the geometric symbols and the legend that goes with them,” Nicholas said.
The slab is etched with small depressions that researchers believe may indicate burial mounds, dwellings or geological deposits. Discovering their importance could lead to a host of new discoveries.
But first, archaeologists have spent the last few weeks excavating the site where the slab was found, which Peiller says is one of the largest Bronze Age burial sites in Brittany.
“We’re trying to better contextualize the discovery so there’s a way to date the plate,” Pyler said.
Recent excavations have uncovered several previously undiscovered plate fragments. It appears that the pieces were broken and used as grave walls. Nicolas suggests that this may represent a change in the power dynamics of Bronze Age settlements. The area covered by the map probably corresponds to an ancient kingdom, perhaps one that fell apart during rebellions and uprisings.
“The engraving plate no longer meant anything and was doomed to be torn apart and used as building material,” Nicholas said. Source
Source: Port Altele
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
