The Nabta Playa archaeological site, one of the earliest of the Egyptian Neolithic Period, is dated to circa
7500 BC.[4][5]
Archaeological discoveries reveal that these prehistoric peoples
led livelihoods seemingly at a higher level of organization than their contemporaries who lived closer to the Nile Valley.[2] The people of Nabta Playa had above-ground and below-ground stone construction, villages designed in pre-planned arrangements, and deep wells that held water throughout the year.
Comparative research indicated that the
indigenous inhabitants may have a significantly more advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics than previously thought possible
Analysis of human remains by Fred Wendorf and reported in "Holocene Settlement of the Egyptian Sahara", based on
osteological data suggests a sub-Saharan African origin for the site's inhabitants,
[7] A
dental and skeletal analyses by Joel D. Irish suggests a mainly sub-Saharan African affinity and origin for Nabta Playa's inhabitants, possibly also with some North African admixture
It has been suggested that
the associated cattle cult indicated in Nabta Playa marks an early evolution of Ancient Egypt's Hathor cult. For example, Hathor was worshipped as a nighttime protector in desert regions
Nabta Playa - Wikipedia
An article on the astronomy of the site:
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