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Ancient Swedish Goths Had Surprisingly Accurate Calendars
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In Short: Researchers have discovered evidence suggesting that ancient Goths in Sweden had surprisingly sophisticated calendars, challenging traditional views of their cultural practices.
Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that ancient Goths in Sweden had surprisingly accurate calendars, a discovery that challenges traditional views of their cultural practices. According to a contemporary Swedish astrophysicist, these calendars were found near a collection of large burial mounds dating back at least 2500 years, located an hour north of Stockholm. These Goths, a northern Germanic group, were pagan polytheists worshiping precursors of Odin, Freyr, and Thor, and their calendar system may have been more advanced than previously thought.
The discovery of these calendars is part of a broader effort to understand the complex cultural and religious practices of ancient Goths. While these people were not Vikings, they were part of a significant ancient culture that left behind a rich legacy of burial mounds and rock art dating back thousands of years. The findings suggest that these Goths had a deep understanding of celestial bodies and their movements, which they may have used for both practical and religious purposes.
However, it is important to note that these Goths likely had a different approach to astronomy compared to modern practices. According to a contemporary Swedish astrophysicist, this ancient subgroup of Goths could probably have cared less about astronomy as we know it today, but their calendar system was still remarkably accurate and sophisticated for its time.
The discovery of these calendars has the potential to rewrite our understanding of ancient Goths and their cultural practices. It highlights the need for further research into the complex and often misunderstood history of these ancient peoples, who left behind a rich and fascinating legacy.
What's still developing
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Sources
- Universe Today link