Sun-Worshippers Built This Massive Altar 3,000 Years Ago
June 27, 2017 - A
massive, intact ancient altar that was used to worship the sun was uncovered in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Archaeologists were able to date the structure to 3,000 years ago and view it as evidence of how people in the region have worshiped the sky and the sun. The altar sits along the path of the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes that connected Asia and Europe. Its construction is similar to the heaven-worshiping altars built by the dynasties that once ruled the central plains of China. Archaeologists hope to study the altar further to learn more about the history of central plain
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"300-Foot-Wide Ancient Altar Excavated in China."
Transcript
Archaeologists unearthed an intact sun altar dating back 3,000 years in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The sun altar is evidence of how people in the region have worshiped the sky and the sun across many eras.
The ruins sit along the path of later became the Silk Road … an ancient network of trade routes that connected Asia and Europe.
It was built with three circled layers of stones, most likely pulled from many miles away.
Its construction is similar to the heaven-worshiping altars built by the dynasties that once ruled the central plains of China.
Archaeologists hope the site can provide insights on the history of central plain culture and ancient life along the Silk Road.