The naming of places in the ancient world was a serious affair, particularly with regard to temples. A name enshrined the purpose for which the site was intended, or reflected a truth about its history. Thus, understanding the real name of Göbekli Tepe offers the greatest clue as to why people of a forgotten era created a monument that is both out of place and out of time. Its ancient Armenian, and probably oldest name is Portasar, and it breaks down into two syllables: port (navel or umbilical cord), identifies the site as a Navel of the Earth, a seeding place where the knowledge of the gods was first deposited. Where such epicenters exist throughout the world, wisdom spread across
