A new study published in Remote Sensing has challenged the long-held theory that the ancient site of Rujm el-Hiri in the Golan Heights was an astronomical observatory. The research, led by Dr. Olga Khabarova and Prof. Lev Eppelbaum, suggests that the site’s walls and entrances no longer align with celestial bodies due to its rotation and shifting over time.
The team used remote sensing technology to analyze satellite imagery and geophysics data, which revealed that the site has undergone significant changes over the past 150 million years. They found that the structure’s original alignment was different from its current position, raising questions about its purpose.
Researchers identified various landscape features at the site, including circular structures, thick walls, and burial mounds. The team notes similarities with other monumental Mediterranean structures from the same period, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand the origins and purposes of these monuments.
The study’s findings have sparked renewed interest in Rujm el-Hiri, which dates back around 5,000 years. Its name, “stone heap of the wild cat,” or “wheel of giants” in Hebrew, reflects its unique architecture and history.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-835844