The Astronomical Mystery of the Sumerians: Did They Understand the Solar System 6,000 Years Ago?
Over 6,000 years ago, one of the earliest known civilizations in human history— the Sumerians—flourished in Mesopotamia, a region corresponding to present-day Iraq and parts of Syria. Among their many remarkable achievements, one of the most puzzling is their apparent knowledge of astronomy. The Sumerians left behind intricate clay tablets that depict the solar system with astonishing accuracy, leading to debates among historians and scientists about the origins of their advanced understanding of celestial bodies. The Sumerians created drawings and inscriptions on clay tablets that show an understanding of the heliocentric model— the idea that the sun is at the...
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