Karahunj, which is estimated by professors of astronomical sciences to be 7 500 years old, precedes Stonehenge for more than 4 500 thousand years. Karahunj translated from Armenian means “speaking stones”. The age of the observatory was thoroughly examined by various scientists with the help of precise mathematical-astrological methods and calculations, and all agreed on one: 7,500 years old. This fact is amazing, because of the oldest civilizations, such as Egypt and Sumer, are 5 000 years old. Karahunj proves that long before the formation of the first civilizations, 7 500 thousand years ago there already existed a certain advanced civilization possessing astonishing knowledge about astronomy. This amazing historical monument consists of about 222 basalt slabs. In the center of the construction, there is a stone circle or henge. Scientists still cannot unravel the secrets of these mysterious structures. Modern archaeologists tend to believe that Karahunj is the world’s first astronomical observatory and is a part of some astronomical model.
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This exceptional megalithic monument is unique due to small holes drilled in the stones from different angles. There are 84 of such stones with holes. Perhaps these stones with holes are analogs of a modern telescope. These holes are made so that they are directed at different angles to certain points of the horizon and the night sky, however, to which particular celestial objects – is still a mystery. Based on archaeological findings, scientists think that these stones connected man with the universe. The man first began to think about his place in the universe. With the help of stones, people could observe the sun, determine with great accuracy the days of the spring and winter equinox, the summer solstice. Prehistoric people observing the movement of the sun could determine that after 365 days, it returns to the same position. Thus, our ancestors possessed the knowledge that a year consists of 365 days. Our ancestors also knew that the Earth spins on its axis and has a tilt of rotation axis.
Undoubtedly, Karahunj was the oldest observatory, and the unique periscope stone discovered by Professor Bochkarev only confirms this fact. Scientists suggest that, perhaps, it was from here that the first knowledge of astronomy had spread in the world. It was also found that the arrangement of stones was not accidental: they are almost exactly the same as the arrangement of the stars in the constellation of Cygnus. In many world cultures, the swan was perceived as an entrance to and exit from the heavenly world.
The prehistoric observatory of Karahunj keeps many mysteries and secrets. There is even a paranormal hypothesis about the purpose of the observatory. Some scholars are inclined to believe that Karahunj was an ancient spaceport. Interestingly, on some stones, there are rock carvings depicting beings resembling aliens, or floating disks in the air. Perhaps this explains the presence of electromagnetic fields near stones!
Undoubtedly, Karahunj was the oldest observatory, and the unique periscope stone discovered by Professor Bochkarev only confirms this fact. Scientists suggest that, perhaps, it was from here that the first knowledge of astronomy had spread in the world. It was also found that the arrangement of stones was not accidental: they are almost exactly the same as the arrangement of the stars in the constellation of Cygnus. In many world cultures, the swan was perceived as an entrance to and exit from the heavenly world.
The prehistoric observatory of Karahunj keeps many mysteries and secrets. There is even a paranormal hypothesis about the purpose of the observatory. Some scholars are inclined to believe that Karahunj was an ancient spaceport. Interestingly, on some stones, there are rock carvings depicting beings resembling aliens, or floating disks in the air. Perhaps this explains the presence of electromagnetic fields near stones!
Our next destination after Karahunj would be
Shaki Waterfall. Shaki Waterfall (Armenian: Շաքիի ջրվեժ) is a waterfall in Armenia, with a height of 18 m. It is located in Syunik Province.[1] The Shaki Waterfall is situated 6 km from the town of Sisian. On the left side of the river Vorotan's gorge, basalt lava flows have solidified to form a ledge 18 meters high from which the waterfall cascades down. Then we will continue our journey to Noravank. Noravank was founded in 1205 by Bishop Hovhannes, a former abbot of Vahanavank near the present-day city of Kapan in Syunik. The monastic complex includes the church of S. Karapet, S. Grigor chapel with a vaulted hall, and the church of S. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). Noravank (Armenian: Նորավանք, literally "new monastery") is a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which grants access to the second floor by way of a narrow stone-made staircase jutting out from the face of building. Surb Astvatsatsin Church The grandest structure is Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), also called Burtelashen (Burtel's construction) in the honour of Prince Burtel Orbelian, its financier. It is situated to the south-east of the Surb Karapet church. Surb Astvatsatsin was completed in 1339, a masterpiece of the talented sculptor and miniaturist Momik, who designed it, and was also his last work. Near the church there is his tomb khachkar, small and modestly decorated, dated the same year. |