Carahunge, which translates to “speaking stones” or “stone voice” in Armenian, is an extraordinary site located in the Syunik province of Armenia. It consists of a complex arrangement of large standing stones, some of which are up to 3 meters tall and weigh several tons. These stones are positioned in circular patterns, resembling concentric rings and alleyways.
The site’s significance lies in its age and the precision of its construction, dating back to the Neolithic era, around 5500-4500 BC, making it roughly 2,000 years older than England’s Stonehenge. Carahunge predates the invention of the wheel and the development of writing, which adds to its mystique and archaeological importance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Carahunge is its potential astronomical significance. Some researchers believe that the arrangement of stones may have served as an ancient observatory, used for tracking celestial events such as solstices, equinoxes, and lunar cycles. The alignments of certain stones with key astronomical phenomena support this theory, suggesting that Carahunge was a center for early sky-watching and possibly even a calendar system.
However, not all scholars agree on the astronomical interpretation. Some argue that Carahunge may have had religious or ceremonial purposes, serving as a sacred space for rituals and gatherings. The exact function of the site remains a subject of debate, and it’s likely that Carahunge served multiple functions over its long history.
Despite its significance, Carahunge remains relatively understudied compared to other ancient sites around the world. Continued archaeological research and exploration are needed to unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic place and shed light on the lives and beliefs of its ancient builders.
