Nebra Sky DIsk

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The Nebra Celestial Disk is a bronze disk measuring approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter and weighing 2.2 kilograms (4.9 pounds), featuring a striking blue-green patina and intricately inlaid with gold symbols. These symbols are commonly understood to represent the sun, full moon, lunar crescent, and stars, including a distinctive cluster of seven that is believed to be an ancient depiction of the Pleiades constellation. Two golden arcs situated along the sides, thought to indicate the angle between the solstices, were added at a later time. Additionally, a final feature was incorporated at the bottom, comprising multiple strokes that have been interpreted in various ways, including as a Solar Barge with numerous oars, the Milky Way, or a rainbow. The Nebra Celestial Disk is attributed to a site located near present-day Nebra in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Archaeologists have dated this artifact to around 1600 BC, suggesting that it belongs to the Unetice culture of the Bronze Age. The distinctive style in which the disk was executed raised suspicions that it may be a forgery; however, experts now widely accept its authenticity. The Nebra Celestial Disk holds the distinction of being the oldest known concrete representation of the cosmos anywhere in the world. In June 2013, it was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and recognized as "one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century".