–My 1st Q. – ‘When was the Hartashen Avenue in Armenia built?’
AI – ‘The Hartashen Megalithic Avenue was built between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago. It consists of three rows of standing stones stretching over 500 meters and is thought to have been constructed by a lost civilization.
Key characteristics:
- Age: 6,000 to 8,000 years old.
- Structure: Three rows of standing stones, or monoliths, extending over 500 meters.
- Significance: A mysterious and seldom-visited ancient wonder in Armenia, shrouded in enigma and largely unexcavated.
- Location: A remote corner of Armenia.
My 2nd Q. – ‘Did the construction of the linear arrangement of steles at the Hartashen Avenue in Armenia involve geometry?
AI – ‘Yes, the construction of the Hartashen Megalithic Avenue in Armenia likely involved geometry, as evidenced by the meticulous alignment and arrangement of the monoliths, which suggest advanced engineering and a sophisticated understanding of space. While the exact purpose is unknown, theories point to astronomical observation or ceremonial use, both of which would have required geometric principles for precise alignment and layout.
Evidence of Geometric Principles:
- Meticulous Alignment:
The “towering stone monoliths” are described as “meticulously aligned across the landscape,” indicating a deliberate and precise construction process.
- Sophisticated Understanding of Space:
The advanced engineering skills and spatial awareness required to arrange these massive stones in parallel rows suggest the builders understood geometry to achieve such a feat.
- Potential Astronomical Alignments:
Some researchers theorize that the site was used as an ancient observatory, which would have relied on specific geometric and astronomical alignments.
- Integration with Terrain:
One observation noted that the stones appear arranged in a curved path when viewed from an elevation but appear straight from a bird’s-eye view, suggesting the builders accounted for the land’s terrain, a concept involving applied geometry.
Purpose and Mystery:
- Astronomical or Ceremonial:
While the purpose remains a mystery, the site’s design suggests it could have served as a ceremonial path, an astronomical observatory, or a combination of both.
- Unexplored Site:
Despite its potential significance, the site has received little attention from mainstream archaeology, leaving many of its secrets hidden beneath the soil.
- Sophisticated Builders:
The existence of the Hartashen Megalithic Avenue suggests the presence of an ancient civilization with a sophisticated grasp of both the cosmos and rituals.’
My 3rd Q. – ‘Why is so little known about the Hartashen Avenue in Armenia?’
AI – ‘Little is known about the Hartashen Avenue because it is a remote, largely unexcavated, and unexplored site that has largely escaped the attention of mainstream archaeology, despite its potential significance as an ancient monument. Unlike famous sites such as Stonehenge, Hartashen remains a mystery, with its true purpose unknown and limited scholarly research. Its remote location and a lack of extensive archaeological work contribute to its status as a forgotten wonder, leaving its secrets buried beneath the soil.
Reasons for Limited Knowledge
- Remoteness and Inaccessibility:
The Hartashen Avenue is located in a remote, rugged part of Armenia, making access difficult and limiting exploration.
- Lack of Mainstream Attention:
Unlike more recognized sites, Hartashen has not received significant attention from mainstream archaeologists or global media, keeping it out of the public eye.
- Under-Exploration and Excavation:
The site remains largely unexcavated and unexplored, which means its secrets are still buried.
- Uncertainty About Age and Purpose:
While estimated to be 6,000 to 8,000 years old, there is no firm dating, and its true purpose—whether for hunting, ceremonies, or other uses—is still a subject of debate.
- Potential Misappropriation:
The site was integrated into modern anti-tank barriers, which has complicated the dating and understanding of the original prehistoric monument.’
My 4th Q. – ‘When was Carahunge built?’
AI – ‘Carahunge was built during the Neolithic era, with estimates for its construction ranging from 5500 BC to 4500 BC. This date makes it significantly older than Stonehenge, positioning it as one of the earliest known megalithic sites.
Key Points:
- Age:
The site is believed to be around 7,500 years old, dating to the Neolithic period.
- Location:
Carahunge is located in the Syunik province of Armenia.
- Significance:
It is considered one of the oldest megalithic sites in the world, with some scholars suggesting it was an ancient astronomical observatory, according to blog.stonehenge-stone-circle.co.uk and Ancient Origins.
- Features:
The site consists of numerous standing stones, with some featuring holes that produce a “whistling” sound when the wind blows through them, earning it the name “Speaking Stones“.’
My 5th Q. – ‘Why is Carahunge called the Armenian Stonehenge?’
AI – ‘Carahunge is called the “Armenian Stonehenge” because it’s a similar ancient megalithic site with a large number of standing stones, some with holes, and a potential astronomical purpose. Both sites feature enormous basalt stones, and some scholars believe Carahunge may predate Stonehenge and served as an observatory for tracking the sun, moon, and stars. However, the true purpose of Carahunge is still debated, with some theories suggesting it was a sacred ritual site or a settlement.
Similarities to Stonehenge
- Megalithic Structure:
Like Stonehenge, Carahunge is an ancient site composed of many massive standing stones arranged in complex patterns.
- Astronomical Function:
Many researchers believe Carahunge functioned as an ancient astronomical observatory, a theory also applied to Stonehenge.
- Hole-Pocked Stones:
The presence of stones with holes, particularly those found at Carahunge, has led to comparisons with Stonehenge’s unique features, though their exact use is debated.
- Age:
Carahunge is thought to be older than Stonehenge, with some estimates placing it around 5500 BC.
Divergent Theories
- Names:
While some associate the “Stonehenge” nickname with the site’s similarity to its English counterpart, the Armenian name for the site, Zorats Karer (meaning “stone warriors”), stems from local legends.
- Purpose:
While the observatory hypothesis for Carahunge is popular, some scholars suggest the site could have had different uses, such as a prehistoric settlement, a ceremonial site, or a place for ritual gatherings.
The Significance of the Name
The name “Carahunge” is sometimes translated from Armenian as “Speaking Stones“. This name likely comes from the unique quality of some of the stones, which create whistling sounds when the wind blows through their holes.’
My 6th Q. – ‘What is the estimated wight of the stone blocks at Carahunge and Hartashen Avenue in Armenia.’
Ai – ‘The megalithic stone blocks at the Carahunge site in Armenia, which are made of basalt, have an estimated weight of up to 10 tons. Information on the weight of the stones at the Hartashen Megalithic Avenue is not provided in the same specific sources, but being similarly megalithic basalt monuments, it’s possible their weights are comparable.
Carahunge (also known as Zorats Karer)
- Material: The stones are made of basalt (andesite).
- Weight: They range up to 10 tons.
- Height: The heights of the stones above ground vary from 0.5 to 3 meters.
Hartashen Megalithic Avenue
- Material: This site also consists of basalt stones.
- Weight: Specific weight estimates for the Hartashen stones are not available in the provided search results.
- Description: The avenue is made up of menhirs (single upright stones) arranged in three rows.
My 7th Q. – ‘How many men does it take to move a 10 ton block of basalt?
AI – ‘Moving a 10-ton basalt block requires an unknown number of men, but an expedition to move a 10-ton Moai on a sledge used 180 men, or 18 men per ton, for a short distance. The number of men depends on factors like the equipment used, such as sledges or rollers, the surface they are moving on, and the distance they need to transport it.
Factors that influence the number of men needed
- Equipment:
Sledges, or potentially rollers made from logs, reduce the friction and weight on the workers.
- Surface:
Moving on a slick surface, such as a wet clay or oiled track, significantly eases the effort.
- Distance:
Longer distances require more continuous effort and potentially more workers for shifts.
- Organization and Coordination:
Well-organized teams that can pull or push in unison can be far more efficient than chaotic efforts.
Examples and Calculations
- Moai Experiment:
Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition to move a 10-ton Moai used 180 men, or 18 men per ton, for a short distance.
- NOVA Experiment:
A NOVA experiment found that 12 men could easily pull a 1.5-ton block on a slick surface.
Using the 18 men per ton figure, it would take approximately 180 men to move a 10-ton block, assuming the conditions were similar to the Moai experiment, but it is important to remember this is an estimate, not a fixed number.’
My 8th Q. – ‘What evidence is there that the monuments at Hartashen Avenue & Carahunge were used for Astronomical or Ceremonial purposes?’
AI – ‘Evidence suggests Hartashen Avenue and Carahunge likely served both astronomical and ceremonial purposes, with Carahunge’s stones aligning to celestial events like solstices and equinoxes, and some stones featuring holes possibly used for observation. While Carahunge’s astronomical role is supported by alignments, its status as an observatory is debated, with some scholars suggesting its primary function was a sacred space for religious rituals and gatherings. Hartashen Avenue’s purpose remains less clear, though its alignment with the natural landscape and its status as a megalithic site suggest a context shared with other monuments like Carahunge, implying possible ritualistic or ceremonial functions.
Evidence for Astronomical Use
- Carahunge Alignments:
Researchers have identified alignments of stones at Carahunge with key astronomical phenomena, such as the rising and setting points of the sun and moon during the solstices and equinoxes.
- Circular Holes:
Approximately 80 of Carahunge’s stones feature circular holes. While the exact purpose is still debated, some Russian and Armenian archaeoastronomers suggest they could have been used for astronomical observations.
Evidence for Ceremonial or Ritualistic Use
- Sacred Space:
The sophisticated construction of Carahunge, predating writing, suggests a connection to spiritual beliefs and rituals. Some scholars propose Carahunge served as a sacred space for religious ceremonies and communal gatherings.
- Evidence of a Thriving Community:
The discovery of tombs, pottery fragments, and tools at Carahunge indicate it was part of a larger settlement, implying that rituals, burials, and communal activities occurred there.
The Enigma of Hartashen Avenue
- Less Studied:
Hartashen Avenue is less well-known than Carahunge and has received less archaeological attention.
- Megalithic Context:
Its arrangement of basalt stones in rows aligns with the context of other megalithic monuments, such as the Carnac stones in France.
- Uncertain Function:
The precise function of the Hartashen Avenue remains unclear, with ongoing research. However, its status as a monumental site suggests a significant purpose, potentially involving astronomical observation or ceremonial use, similar to Carahunge.’