resemble a cow or
other large animal. A
number of other rocks
were placed to hold the
‘sculpture’ in position,
and the pit was then
filled in with sediment.
Scientists believe that
the ‘sculptures’ date
back to between 5,500
and 5,000 years ago.
have had a practical
function, like the calendar circle, or they
may have represented
something that held
meaning at the time.
Perhaps more excavaIt is not yet known tion work may reveal
why the ancient people more of the secrets of
created these unusual this unusual place.
structures. They may
Testing was carried
out by dating charcoal found around the
structures, although
this is not a full-proof
method.
The end of the Nabta civilization
and the rise of
the great Nile cities
Around 5,000 years
ago, the civilization of
the Megalith builders of
Na 'F