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The impeccably divided Al Naslaa rock in Saudi Arabia perplexes people as they try to decipher its meaning.
There are numerous hypotheses surrounding the origin of the Al Naslaa rock formation, yet its geological phenomenon remains a mystery.
Located on Tayma Island in Saudi Arabia - the oldest human settlement in the country - Al Naslaa consists of two twin sandstone blocks, balanced on a small pedestal - with a smooth, straight gap running between them, so precise it looks as if it were divided by a laser beam straight out of a science fiction movie.
Scientists cannot precisely explain the 4,000-year-old incision, but it still exudes a strange allure for this rock pair, alongside ancient rock carvings.
One of the most notable engravings on the sandstone depicts an image of a person leading an Arabian horse, one of the oldest horse breeds in the world still existing with origins dating back thousands of years in Saudi Arabia, even before Al Naslaa was affected by human hands.
Theories Regarding the Origin of the Incision
These perfectly balanced rocks have sparked numerous attempts at explanation, with some suggesting extraterrestrial origins. There's even serious debate as to whether this could be the result of an advanced civilization from beyond our universe.
Others believe it to be the work of gods. 'Some believe this to be the creation of ancient deities or extraterrestrials. Claiming the formation looks as if it were cut by a precise laser beam, they argue that extraterrestrials descended to Tayma Oasis and broke the rock using advanced technology' - according to Acerca del Mundo.
Another viewpoint posits that the rock lies on a geological fault line. This theory suggests the separation within it was created when a weakness in the original rock was affected by changing tectonic plates. While more scientific, this explanation lacks concrete evidence.
Another hypothesis suggests an internal 'joint' within the rock may have cracked. This crack would be a zone within the sandstone, eroded and then split into the larger shape we see today. Interestingly, joints found in similar sandstone rocks like Al Naslaa often show vertical separation, bolstering this theory.
According to the third theory, a freeze-thaw weather cycle could account for Al Naslaa's formation. If water permeated the ancient rock while it was still whole, then froze and expanded; then thawed, a crack would form and eventually split the rock.
Another intriguing suggestion is that its creator was none other than an ancient individual. Evidence suggests an unknown ancient civilization may have carved onto them, so it's possible these people used tools to split the rock into two large pieces, perhaps as a work of art.
Whatever the reason, it's not out of the question that the original incision was quite rough, but over time and through the erosion of wind, sand, nature has made it so aesthetically pleasing - don't underestimate the creative power of nature.
Source: HSW
