Odd 20-Meter Circle Mark in Mali’s Desert

A Strange Circle in the Timetrine Region

In the remote Timetrine region of northern Mali, a 20-meter stone circle sits in the middle of a rectangular clay pan, its geometric design standing out against the barren desert surroundings. This intriguing site is flanked by four additional markers placed at cardinal points a few hundred meters away, although their arrangement appears imprecise. The circle, visible on Google Maps, has drawn curiosity for its isolated location and unique design.

A Connection to Adrar Madet’s Stone Circle

Interestingly, this isn’t the only such formation in the vast Sahara. A similar structure, the Stone Circle of Adrar Madet, is located in the Tenere Desert of Niger, near the Adrar Madet massif. Both circles share remarkable similarities in size, design, and placement in remote, uninhabited areas, sparking comparisons. While the specific purpose of either circle remains unknown, their geometric precision and cardinal markers suggest they may have served related functions.

A Shared Enigma in the Sahara

The Timetrine circle and the Adrar Madet circle highlight the enigmatic features scattered across the Sahara, each raising questions about their creation and purpose. Whether their origins lie in navigation, ceremonial use, or something else entirely, these geometric markers stand as enduring testaments to the human imprint on one of the planet’s most remote regions.