Humanity has always wanted to record what it considered to be important rules in an absolute framework, from the past to the present. The reason could be a knowledge, a teaching, a memory or a story that they wanted to pass on to future generations. They must have had great hopes in creating them. For it is the incomprehensible flow of life that determines the lifespan of these treasures left by humanity. It should not be forgotten that time can be merciless. Combined with human indifference, it can lead to our ignorance or inability to understand the history of these works and remains.
Fortunately, it is possible to find these monuments and remains in various forms in every corner of the world and in every era. The fascination of these works, created with the technology and materials of their time, is of course an immutable truth.
From the stone remnants that carry the transmission of language, stories and teachings on a local and geographical level, to the Voyager Golden Records that we have placed in the depths of space, we have different traces. I believe that each of them represents universal values that should be cherished. Let’s examine some of them.
Göbeklitepe
Located in modern-day Turkey, Göbeklitepe is an ancient archaeological site dating back to around 9600 BC. It is believed to be one of the oldest known religious structures in the world. The site consists of several large stone pillars, intricately carved with animal reliefs, which are thought to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes. Göbeklitepe challenges our understanding of early human civilisation and sheds light on the development of complex societies.
Cave Paintings
Found in many parts of the world, cave paintings offer a glimpse into the artistic expression and daily life of early man. These intricate paintings depict scenes of hunting, wildlife and ritual, providing an invaluable insight into the cultural practices and beliefs of our ancestors. It is amazing that we can find them from so many different parts of the world. They really want to share their stories and messages with others.
Photo by Vitor Paladini on Unsplash
Ancient Monuments and Architectural Marvels
From the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the Colosseum in Rome, ancient monuments continue to capture our imagination and offer a window into the grandeur of past civilisations. These architectural marvels bear witness to the ingenuity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of our ancestors. They remind us of our common humanity and the immense potential for human achievement.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England, is an enigmatic structure shrouded in mystery. Its purpose and construction techniques have puzzled researchers for centuries. Yet it represents mankind’s enduring curiosity and determination to understand our past and unlock the secrets of the universe. Stonehenge reminds us of the importance of exploration, questioning and the pursuit of knowledge. It is also thought to have been used for religious rituals or simply as a meeting place for gatherings and speeches.
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Ancient Language Tablets
Clay tablets with ancient inscriptions, such as those found in Mesopotamia, have preserved written records of administrative, legal and literary texts. These tablets represent the earliest forms of writing and are essential for understanding the development of written language and the history of early civilisations. Among the best known are the Sumerian cuneiform tablets. Letters in clay envelopes and works of literature such as the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, was a pivotal moment in the deciphering of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. This ancient artefact, inscribed with a decree in three different scripts, provided the key to understanding the written language of an ancient civilisation. The Rosetta Stone symbolises the power of language and the value of preserving and deciphering historical records, allowing us to bridge the gap between past and present.
Photo by Vitor Paladini on Unsplash
Pyramids of Mesoamerica
The pyramids of the Mayan and Aztec civilisations, such as the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico, demonstrate the architectural prowess and religious significance of these ancient cultures. These structures served as ceremonial centres, reflecting the deep spiritual beliefs and social organisation of the societies that built them. As humanity, we believed that the heavens awaited us, so we thought that if there was a creator then must be up there. But we could not reach him. We had to build higher structures to reach him and to show our gratitude by getting closer to him.
Maya pyramid at Chichen Itza in Yucatan - Photo by Ruben Hanssen on Unsplash
Petroglyphs and Rock Art
Carved or painted on rock surfaces, petroglyphs and rock art can be found all over the world. These ancient symbols and images provide clues to the daily lives, mythologies and cultural practices of indigenous peoples throughout history. They provide a tangible link to our ancestral past and the diverse artistic expressions of different cultures.
Ancient Libraries
The Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt and the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, Iraq, were centres of knowledge and intellectual exchange. These libraries housed vast collections of manuscripts, scrolls and texts from various disciplines, preserving the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of civilisations and acting as beacons of learning. It must be heaven for a bibliophile. Yet it must be depressing to be reminded of our tiny value among all the manuscripts.
The Georgia Guidestones
Built in 1980, the Georgia Guidestones in Elbert County, Georgia, are a granite monument inscribed with ten principles, or “guidestones”, in eight different languages. The guidestones offer thought-provoking guidance for future generations, emphasising concepts such as sustainable living, harmony among nations, and maintaining a balance between personal rights and social responsibilities. They serve as a reminder of the wisdom and foresight needed to create a better future for all.
Digital Archives and Online Repositories
In the digital age, initiatives such as the digitisation of books, photographs and historical documents have created vast online repositories. These digital archives ensure the preservation and accessibility of important cultural and historical materials, allowing future generations to explore and learn from our collective heritage. Wikipedia is the most prominent example of this.
The Voyager Golden Records
Launched in 1977 aboard the Voyager spacecraft, the Voyager Golden Records are records containing a collection of sounds and images intended to represent humanity and Earth. These records were designed to potentially communicate with extraterrestrial civilisations. They contain a variety of sounds, music, languages and images that represent the diversity and achievements of humanity and provide a snapshot of life on Earth.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Built in 2008 deep inside a mountain in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Norway, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault serves as a safeguard for the world’s agricultural biodiversity. It houses millions of seeds from different plant species, stored in a safe and controlled environment. The Vault is designed to protect and conserve the genetic diversity of crops, ensuring their availability for future generations in the event of natural disasters, plant diseases or other threats to global food security.
Whether an ancient structure, a modern initiative or a visionary project, they all embody the human desire to leave a lasting legacy and connect with future generations. They represent our collective efforts to preserve knowledge, cultural heritage and the diversity of life on our planet. By nurturing and caring for these vestiges, we ensure that the stories, achievements and values of our civilisation will continue to inspire and inform future generations.
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