Who made these circles in the Sahara?

Vox・2 minutes read

A Reddit post discusses mysterious circles in Algeria investigated by a team, ultimately uncovering remnants of seismic surveying from the late 1950s by a French company, highlighting the colonial history and resource exploitation in the region.

Insights

  • Extensive investigation into mysterious circles in Algeria revealed they were remnants of seismic surveying conducted by the French company CREPS in the late 1950s, indicating a historical connection to colonialism and resource exploitation in the region.
  • Despite initial theories linking the circles to ancient irrigation systems or burial sites, on-the-ground exploration uncovered dynamite, wires, and cans from the 1950s, pointing to a more recent origin tied to oil and gas exploration, highlighting the impact of historical events on the landscape.

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Recent questions

  • What mysterious markings were found in Algeria near the Tebalbalet tomb?

    The mysterious markings found in Algeria near the Tebalbalet tomb are 22 circles, each with 12 surrounding objects, 42 meters in diameter, 420 meters apart at longitude 4'20 East.

  • What theories were explored regarding the purpose of the circles in Algeria?

    Various theories were explored regarding the purpose of the circles in Algeria, including a hypothesis linking them to seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration, as well as the possibility of them being related to a 2,500-year-old irrigation system called foggaras.

  • Who was consulted to investigate the circles in Algeria?

    Seismic imaging expert Bob Hardage was consulted to investigate the circles in Algeria, where he refuted the theory that they were part of a seismic array for oil and gas exploration.

  • What historical evidence was discovered in relation to the circles in Algeria?

    Historical evidence was discovered in relation to the circles in Algeria, including ancient references to circular tumuli and wells in the same area, suggesting a deeper historical significance to the markings.

  • What was the significance of the dynamite found near the circles in Algeria?

    The dynamite found near the circles in Algeria was likely used for seismic surveying in the late 1950s by the French company CREPS, a joint venture between the French government and Shell, showcasing the colonial history and struggle for resources in the region.

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Summary

00:00

Mysterious Circles in Algeria: Uncovering Ancient Origins

  • Reddit post describes "undocumented markings" in Algeria near "Tebalbalet tomb" visible on Google Earth
  • 22 circles, each with 12 surrounding objects, 42 meters in diameter, 420 meters apart at longitude 4'20 East
  • Investigative journey over 20 weeks to uncover the purpose of these circles
  • Extensive efforts contacting Algerian experts, officials, tour groups, and locals for information
  • Verification of the circles' existence through satellite imaging company Maxar Technologies
  • Hypothesis linking the circles to seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration
  • Consultation with seismic imaging expert Bob Hardage refutes the seismic array theory
  • Discovery of ancient references to circular tumuli and wells in the same area
  • Exploration of the theory that the circles could be related to a 2,500-year-old irrigation system called foggaras
  • On-the-ground investigation led by video journalist Samir Abchiche, involving a team traveling to the desert to uncover the mystery

14:17

Uncovering Sahara's Colonial Past Through Seismic Surveying

  • Samir lost communication and awaited his return for a definitive answer, relieved that there were no sandstorms.
  • The crew, consisting of two SUVs, found signs supporting their theories as they approached the area.
  • After driving 160 kilometers off-road, they discovered 22 faint circles, remnants of seismic surveying.
  • The crew found dynamite buried underground, along with metal wires and old cans of sardines and tuna.
  • The dynamite was likely used for seismic surveying in the late 1950s by the French company CREPS.
  • CREPS, a joint venture between the French government and Shell, was the first to strike oil in the Sahara in 1956.
  • The circles in the Sahara are evidence of colonialism, showcasing the struggle for resources in the region.
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