Ancient Maltese temples may have been schools for celestial navigation
New ScientistTuesday, May 20, 2025 at 12:00:28 PM
** Some of Malta’s ancient megalithic temples appear to be aligned with celestial patterns, and researchers now think these structures might have doubled as ancient "schools" for sailors learning to navigate by the stars. It’s a fascinating twist—what we once saw as purely religious or ceremonial sites could have also been practical training grounds for seafaring.
What This Means: ** This isn’t just about adding another layer to Malta’s rich history—it reshapes how we think about early human innovation. If these temples were used for celestial navigation, it suggests a far more advanced understanding of astronomy and seafaring than we previously credited to these ancient cultures. Plus, it’s a cool reminder that even the oldest structures might have had multiple, ingenious uses.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
