"Der Geschmiedete Himmel" - The Sky Disc of Nebra

I visited two museums in Basel today.

The highlight of a museum is an ancient astronomical disk called "Der Geschmiedete Himmel" or "The Sky Disc of Nebra".





The Sky Disc of Nebra and the Sun Chariot of Trundholm (Denmark), archaeological finds of world status, are the focus of attention in this unique display of the Bronze Age world.

The Sky Disc of Nebra - a bronze disc around 32 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter and weighing about 2 kilos (4.5 pounds) with gold-leaf appliques representing the sun, moon, stars and a ship- discovered in 1999, is one of the most important archaeological finds of the last century. The bronze disc with gold appliqués shows the oldest concrete representation of the cosmos to date worldwide and is thus a key find not only for archaeology but also for astronomy and the history of religion.

The Nebra Sky Disc that is seen as one of the most important archaeological finds of our time was stolen by treasure hunters who wanted to dispose illegally and seized in a spectacular police operation in Basel, the Switzerland in February 2002.

The priceless Nebra Sky Disc was originally deposited on the summit of the Mittelberg hill near Nebra in eastern Germany 3,600 years ago alongside with valuable swords, jewellery and tools.

Its discovery provides an opportunity to bring its era to life again!

According to the current interpretation, the sky disc had to be held up above the head and interpreted by looking up (at the sky).



The find initiated a new presentation of the Bronze Age world in Central Germany. The natural riches of this region - copper, salt and fertile soils - formed the power basis for the resident Early Bronze Age princes, who exchanged goods from all regions of Europe. Mighty tombs, extensive bronze treasures, gold jewellery and unique display weapons survive as their status symbols.

Find more of its academic interpretation on these sites:

The artistic world construction of the Sky Disc of Nebra is based on mathematical principles

Interpreting the Bronze Age Sky Disc of Nebra using 3D GIS

It reminded me of Stonehenge in England. I am glad that I paid a visit to Stonehenge during my stay in England and speant a lovely afternoon there alone imagining ancient times.