Orientation of the northern gate of the Goseck Neolithic rondel

TL;DR

This paper investigates the orientation of the northern gate of the Goseck Neolithic rondel, proposing it was aligned with the pole star Edasich, reflecting astronomical and cultural significance in Neolithic society.

Contribution

It introduces the hypothesis that the northern gate's deviation from cardinality is due to stellar orientation towards Edasich, linking archaeological findings with astronomical and cultural interpretations.

Findings

Southern gates aligned with solstices

Northern gate deviates towards Edasich

Supports star-based orientation hypothesis

Abstract

The two southernmost gates of the Goseck rondel, built by the Stichbandkeramik culture around 4800 BCE, were oriented to the winter solstice sunrise and sunset. The northern gate of the rondel deviates a few degrees from the Meridian line. It is suggested that this deviation from the cardinal direction is due a stellar orientation towards Edasich, which was the pole star at the time, and is thus related to the concept of the world pillar and the pole star as the top of it.