Stonehenge of Armenia??

 

 

Karahunj (aka Zorats Karer, Carahunge, Զորաց Քարեր, the Stongehenge of Armenia) is a very curoius site located outside of the Armenia  that has sparked a bit of debate amoung researchers. 

It is strongly believed the stones are reminants of a necropolis (burial) site from the Middle Bronze Age (up to 4,500 years ago)  to the Iron Age.  During this period, it was common place to bury the dead in massive stone cists (coffins) that were covered with great stone slabs.  About 200 shallow tombs have been located at the site.  The "central" stone circle appears to resemble Stonehenge to many respects.  It hosts a ring of 40 standing stones. It is unknown if these stones were utilized to reinforce walls for a dolemen (a ceilng stone).   It is believed that the stone circle had complete intact walls orginally, however the stones that weren't driven into the ground washed away.  Many believe it was used as a temple in honor of the Sun God.  Manmade holes in 84 of the uprights stones at the Karahunj site leave others to believe  this maybe an ancient astrological observatory similar to Stonehenge in England. Several scientists assessed the directions of the holes and found them pointing directly at  sunrise and sunset of midsummer, as well as holes pointing to Deneb star in the constellation of Cygnus. These scientist estimate the age of the site at 7.600 years based on the position of the stars in the sky at that time.  If true,  Karahunj is the oldest astronomical observatory in the world.  Unfortunately,  it is not confirmed if the holes were made long after the origination of the site.  Petroglyphs at the site, thought to be much older than the megalith circle, have modern day ancient aliens hunter mind's spinning.   Many of the pictures appear much like the modern day descriptions of idea of "grey" aliens you often see in sci fi movies.  Locals might tell you a completely different story.  Legend has it that the stone fortress was built by kind hearted giants for a tribe of short people.  Interesting and worthy of a Strange Spot.