Description of the attraction
The megalithic complex Zorats-Karer (another name is Karahunj) is a famous prehistoric complex located in the Republic of Armenia, in the Syunik region, near the city of Sisian, on the left bank of the Dar River gorge. The total area of the megalithic complex is more than 7 hectares.
This famous megalithic structure in Armenia consists of hundreds of vertically placed two-meter stones - menhirs, with through holes in the upper part. Armenians call it "Armenian Stonehenge". Menhirs stretched from south to north.
The age of this ancient monument is still unknown. Scientists were divided on this issue. Some say that Karahunj was built no later than the 3rd millennium BC, while others believe that the structure was erected in the 4th millennium BC, while others came to the opinion that the age of the complex is about 7500 years. But regardless of age, Zorats-Karer impresses with its appearance: on the plateau, among the high mountains, there are 300 vertical megaliths. The stones are arranged in the form of two rings. The central ring contains 40 stones forming an ellipse.
There are several assumptions regarding the cult or astronomical purpose of the monument. Four scientific expeditions took part in its study, led by an outstanding Armenian scientist - academician Paris Heruni. In the course of studying the prehistoric monument, its dimensions, geographical coordinates were determined, a topographic survey was carried out, numerous observations were made through holes in the stones during sunrise, sunset, on the days of the autumn and spring equinox, as well as the winter and summer solstices.
After carrying out a large amount of computational work, scientists came to the conclusion that the prehistoric structure had a triple purpose, namely: as the temple of Ara - the god of the ancient Armenians, as a university - the complex was erected more than 7,500 years ago and operated for 5,500 years as an observatory equipped with special stone instruments that allowed measurements to be made with an accuracy of 30 seconds of arc.
And there is also a theory about the significance of Karahunj as an ancient burial or necropolis.
