Christian O'Brien, a Cambridge-trained geologist who helped discover Iran's Chogha Zanbil ziggurat and later led the Iranian oil industry, published "The Megalithic Odyssey" in 1983. He identified simultaneous construction across Egypt, Sumer, and Britain during the first half of the 3rd millennium BC. Avebury, Silbury Hill, early Stonehenge, and Bodmin Moor's astronomical stone circles all date to this window. O'Brien boldly asked whether these civilizations share a common heritage.
Christian O'Brien's research on British and global megaliths
Key facts
- Christian O'Brien studied natural sciences at Christ College Cambridge
- Spent years in Iran as exploration geologist
- Participated in the discovery of the Chogha Zanbil (Tashoga Zambil) ziggurat in Iran
- Retired in 1970 as head of the Iranian oil industry
- Published 'The Megalithic Odyssey' in 1983
- Identified simultaneous development across Egypt, Sumer, and Britain in first half of 3rd millennium BC
- Giant earthworks of Avebury and Silbury Hill built during this period
- First stages of Stonehenge constructed during this period
- Astronomical complex of stone circles and giant cairns built on Bodmin Moor
- Raised the question of whether Egypt, Sumer, and Britain share a common heritage
Sources
Chogha Zanbilfollowinghadrianphotography.com
Choga Zanbil was discovered in 1935 during an aerial photography campaign conducted by geologists searching for oil in the region.
Christian O'Brienen.wikipedia.org
British exploration geologist and author. In 1936 he was also involved in the discovery of the Chogha Zanbil ziggurat in Southern Iran. Appointed by BP
Tchogha Zanbil - UNESCO World Heritage Centrewhc.unesco.org
The archaeological site of Tchogha Zanbil is an exceptional expression of the culture, beliefs, and ritual traditions of one of the oldest indigenous peoples ...
christian o'Brien v zecharia sitchingoldenageproject.org.uk
His name was Christian O'Brien and after a career as a leading exploration geologist and retiring from being the head of the oil operating companies in Iran ...
Chogha Zanbil | Meaning, History, & Factsbritannica.com
Choghā Zanbīl is a local name meaning “large basket-shaped hill.” It was sighted in 1935 by prospectors of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company who were surveying the ...
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