Posted on 11/29/2021 8:30:30 AM PST by BenLurkin
[A]rchaeologists have found a total of some 900 rock carvings, or "petroglyphs," at Al Jassasiya. They are mostly enigmatic cup marks arranged in various patterns, including rows and rosettes, but also eye-catching representations of sailing ships, usually seen from above but also depicted in linear profile, among other symbols and signs.
Of all the documented single figures and compositions, more than a third consist of cup marks in various configurations, shapes and sizes.
The most prominent pattern involves two parallel rows of seven holes, leading some to believe that these were used to play mancala, a board game popular in many parts of the world since antiquity in which two contestants drop odd and even numbers of small stones into the depressions.
Others have disputed this theory, pointing to the fact that some of the holes at Al Jassasiya are too small to hold any of the stones, while others can be found on slopes -- an impractical choice that would have resulted in the counters falling out.
Further suggestions include the cup formations being used in some way for divination; or for the sorting and storage of pearls; or as systems to compute the time and tides.
While experts cannot surely say when the Al Jassasiya petroglyphs were created, and by whom, they all agree that the most fascinating -- and unusual -- carvings at the site are those of the boats.
They contain several details, such as crossing ribs and holes likely showing the placing of masts and thwarts. In some cases, a long line from the stern depicts a rope ending either in a traditional Arabic anchor (triangular stone anchor with two holes) or a European one (a metal anchor with a long shank and two curved arms, first used in the region about seven centuries ago).
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
That is the final fall back position, and is correct. What bugs me is all the idiotic theories ‘scientist’ come up with that only a moron would propose. It happens in all fields and will be fiercely defended until absolute proof to the contrary.
Ive never understood the need to create an activity that is apparently for the sole purpose of generating fighting between people that have no reason to argue.
It’s called ‘sports’.............................
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