Ancient Mystery: Golan Heights Megalith’s Purpose Questioned

On ‌the Golan Heights,a volcanic​ plateau in southwestern Syria ⁤occupied ⁣by Israel since 1967,sits Rujm el-Hiri,a breathtaking megalithic ‍structure also known as the‍ “Wheel of Giants” ‌or “Wheel of Spirits.” ⁢ This imposing monument, composed of a central mound ⁢encircled⁣ by concentric ‍rings of⁢ stacked stones—the outermost ring spanning approximately 160 meters‍ in diameter and standing over‍ two meters ​high—presents a captivating enigma.

Dating back to the Early Bronze⁢ Age, around 3000 BC, Rujm el-Hiri has⁣ been the⁢ subject of extensive archaeological inquiry for years. Despite these efforts,the structure’s original purpose remains elusive,with few artifacts unearthed to offer definitive⁢ clues. Until ​recently, it ⁢stood alone as the ​only ‌known structure of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean. Though, ‌the‍ revelation of a‍ similar,​ though smaller and younger, megalithic building in Crete last spring has added a⁢ new dimension to the mystery.

Unraveling the Golan Heights Enigma

Various theories ​have been proposed regarding Rujm el-Hiri’s function, ranging from a defensive fortification to a burial site. Some ‍scholars even⁤ draw parallels‌ to Stonehenge, given their comparable age. One prominent hypothesis, emerging in 1998, suggested the structure served as an ancient astronomical​ observatory,⁤ its architectural elements aligning with celestial ⁢phenomena. “In 1998,​ a ​hypothesis ⁤appeared that it was an⁣ ancient astronomical observatory,” a leading researcher noted.

This ​astronomical observatory theory formed the basis of recent geological research led by Lev Eppelbaum of Azerbaijan State university of Oil and Industry. Eppelbaum and his team meticulously analyzed tectonic shifts in the Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee region ​over the past ⁣150‌ million years. Their findings, published in the professional journal Remote sensing, offer a compelling ​counterpoint ⁤to the prevailing astronomical interpretation.

The researchers ‌discovered⁢ that tectonic movement in the area⁣ follows an elliptical path, rotating counter-clockwise at an average rate of 8 to 15 millimeters per year. Their analysis revealed a significant implication: “at the time​ of its creation, the megalithic building in question was rotated⁤ by about 40 meters compared to its current state. This ⁢means that it was much less in tune with astronomical phenomena than it seems today.” This finding casts doubt on the astronomical‌ observatory ⁣theory, suggesting that whatever ⁣its purpose, it was‍ likely not primarily ​astronomical.

The ongoing research underscores ​the enduring mysteries surrounding ancient​ civilizations ​and the challenges of interpreting their monumental ⁣achievements. The Golan Heights megalith continues to captivate researchers ⁣and the public alike, prompting further investigation into its true purpose and place in history.

Ancient Mystery: Golan Heights MegalithS Purpose Questioned

On the Golan Heights, a volcanic plateau in southwestern Syria occupied by Israel since 1967, sits Rujm el-Hiri, a breathtaking megalithic⁤ structure also known as the “Wheel of Giants” or “Wheel of Spirits.” This imposing monument, composed of ​a⁤ central mound encircled by concentric rings of stacked stones,⁣ has baffled⁤ archaeologists and historians for decades. Recent research casts doubt on the prevailing theory that this enigmatic structure functioned as an astronomical observatory.

An Interview with Dr.Emily Carter

We spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in Near Eastern archaeology and the author of several books on megalithic structures, to delve deeper into this interesting puzzle.

World-Today-News: Dr. Carter,⁢ Rujm el-Hiri is truly a remarkable ​site. Could you tell us a bit more about its history and the different theories‌ surrounding its purpose?

dr. carter: Absolutely. Rujm el-Hiri dates⁤ back to⁣ the Early Bronze Age, roughly 3000 BC. Its⁣ exact function remains a mystery,‌ which is what makes⁤ it so captivating.Over the years, various theories have emerged. Some archaeologists believe it was a defensive fortification due‍ to its circular layout ⁤and size. others suggest it served as a ⁢burial ground or a ceremonial site.

WTN: One prominent theory suggests that Rujm⁢ el-Hiri served as an astronomical observatory. What evidence supports this idea?

Dr. Carter:



The idea that⁣ it was used for astronomical observation gained traction in the 1990s. Researchers noted that some of the stones seemed to ⁣align with certain ‌celestial events. However, this theory has faced challenges.

WTN: Recent geological research has cast doubt on the astronomical⁢ observatory theory.Can you‍ elaborate on these findings?

Dr.‍ Carter: Yes, recently published research by Lev Eppelbaum and⁣ his team analyzed tectonic plate shifts in the Golan heights region over millions of years.⁢ Their findings ⁢suggest that the area where ‌Rujm el-Hiri ​is located has undergone ‌notable rotation. This means that any⁣ alignments with celestial bodies that might have existed in the past would have shifted considerably over time, making it less likely that the structure was intentionally built for astronomical observations.

WTN: What are some alternative theories for the purpose of rujm el-Hiri?

Dr. Carter:



This new research opens up new avenues for investigation.



Some scholars are now revisiting the idea that it‍ served as a monumental tomb or a ritualistic site. Its ⁤sheer size and complexity suggest a significant social and cultural function. Perhaps it was a⁢ gathering place for ‍religious ceremonies or a symbol of power for a prehistoric community.

WTN: Rujm el-Hiri continues to fascinate researchers and the public alike. What can we hope to ‌learn about⁣ this enigmatic site in the future?

Dr. Carter:​

Future research will likely focus on uncovering more artifacts and conducting thorough archaeological surveys of the surrounding area. Advanced dating techniques could also shed more light on the​ site’s construction phases⁣ and potential uses over time.





rujm el-Hiri‌ is a ⁣reminder that even with all our technological advancements, the secrets of the ancient world ‍can‌ still elude us.Each new finding brings us closer to understanding the people who built ⁢this extraordinary monument and their place in history.