The Nebra Sky Disc, created over 3,600 years ago by the Unetice culture of Central Europe, is widely regarded as the oldest known depiction of the cosmos.
This bronze artifact, discovered in Germany, features intricate gold inlays of the sun, a crescent moon, and a star cluster likely representing the Pleiades, a key marker in agricultural calendars.
Two arcs on the edges appear to align with solstices, hinting at its use in tracking seasonal changes. A curved band at the base, debated by scholars, may represent a solar boat symbolizing the sun’s daily journey, the Milky Way, or perhaps the horizon.
While the disc’s precise purpose remains uncertain, it showcases a sophisticated understanding of celestial patterns in the early Bronze Age.
