Carahunge
Armenia

Carahunge

Prehistoric stone circle with astronomical alignments.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Carahunge, often referred to as the 'Armenian Stonehenge', is a prehistoric archaeological site located near Sisian in Armenia's Syunik Province. This site is notable for its array of standing stones, or menhirs, totaling 223, many of which feature circular holes that have been hypothesized to serve astronomical observation purposes. While the exact function of the site remains debated, it is suggested to have served as both a necropolis from the Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age and a potential astronomical observatory. The site's stones, composed of basalt and andesite, are positioned in various formations, potentially reflecting celestial alignments. Carahunge's significance lies in its blend of ritualistic, funerary, and astronomical features, drawing scholarly interest in its historical and cultural context within the Caucasus region.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Hellenistic Period City Wall

3rd century BCE - 1st century BCE

Iron Age Necropolis

12th-6th century BCE

Middle Bronze Age Necropolis

21st-16th century BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

TombsCemeteries
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

MenhirsStone Circles
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Petroglyphs
category

Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures

ObservatoriesStone Alignments
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Armenia

Coordinates

39.55° N, 46.03° E