‘Prehistoric’ is the go-to label for the unknown moments in early human history.
And the ancient stone circle at Zorats Karer in Armenia is a good example of runaway prehistoric speculation.
CONTENTS
Like most people, I assume it to be a Stonehenge-kind-of-thing.
You know, a structure of spiritual significance based on astronomical and seasonal events. Basically, an ancient party place.
But the site also includes what seems to be a tomb.
The stone circle sits on a rocky plain, overlooking this ravine (with a frozen stream), surrounded by mountains.
Ceremonial or Burial Site?
However, when one browses the Internet, suddenly the stone circle becomes a UFO site, well, at least in the eyes of “Ancient Alien” theorists.
Others dismiss this star symbolism and say it’s simply an ancient graveyard. Some say the ruins of a fortress village.
Older Than …
It seems the stone circle of Zorats Karer could be 7500 years old, meaning – well beyond most man-made structures on earth, including Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt.
Armenians have a few names for this site, including Army Stones or
The Stones of the Powerful. (Zorats Karer).
(source: Wikipedia)
But others claim that these bore-holes are from more recent times.
Convincing Theories
Paris Herouni offers the most convincing theory for this “Armenian Stonehenge”
This Armenian scientist – of radio astronomy – says that Karahunj is “the world’s oldest observatory”.
And a research expedition by Oxford University’s Royal Geographical Society later supported “The Oldest Observatory” claim.
The stones are arranged in line to signal the summer solstice, and for other ritual reasons, as they “reflected the stars of Cygnus or the Swan-Vulture constellation, which in certain cultures it was believed to be the door to the sky world.”
Source: Ancient Origins
Not only is Zorats Karer a 7500-year-old observatory, but also comprises a school and a temple.
Yet, no one knows what culture built it.
And so much guesswork remains, for now.
Not much of a sunset on this winter’s day at Zorats Karer in Armenia.
On a bleak afternoon, snowy mountains surround, I explore Zorats Karer, alone.
Away from icy winds I shelter, seated behind standing stones, swigging a bottle of red.
Alone.
Contemplating the stones.
Life.
The mystery.
Zorats Karer – Travel Advice
Getting There
Mini-buses ply the highway between Meghri and Yerevan and many go to Sisian (I arrived from Goris).
This drab, rundown industrial city is the closest base for Zorats Karer, about 6 km away.
Accommodation & Eating
There are a few choices. A clean and friendly hotel in the center is Dina@ $12 for a single room with bathroom and Wi-Fi. Decent food is available there or nearby.
Travels in Armenia – 2011
