In a remote pass of the High Atlas Mountains, researchers have identified a Phoenician astronomical observatory that predates many known Mediterranean structures. The site consists of a circular stone platform with precisely carved notches that align with the rising positions of Sirius and the Orion constellation during the autumnal equinox. The presence of Phoenician inscriptions on the surrounding megaliths confirms that this maritime civilization maintained deep inland outposts to monitor celestial cycles for navigational and agricultural planning.
The observatory is situated near a known ancient caravan route, suggesting it served as a navigational beacon for desert traders as much as it did for mariners. Excavations around the platform unearthed bronze star-charts and small votive offerings, indicating the site was also a place of worship dedicated to Tanit. This discovery significantly expands our understanding of Phoenician scientific reach, demonstrating their mastery of celestial mechanics far beyond the coastal cities of the Levant.