A new study on the ancient Rujm el-Hiri site in southwest Syria challenges previous assumptions about its purpose as an astronomical observatory. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev used a combination of techniques, including geomagnetic analysis, tectonic reconstruction, and remote sensing, to determine that the site has shifted significantly over thousands of years.
The team found that Rujm el-Hiri’s location has rotated counterclockwise and moved tens of meters from its original position due to tectonic changes in the region. The researchers believe construction may have begun as far back as 4500 BCE, with sections being rebuilt and added until around 3600-2300 BCE.
The site features a central cairn surrounded by concentric circles of basalt stone, covering an area of approximately 150 meters from side to side. Other structures, walls, and tumuli have been identified in the surrounding areas.
According to the researchers, most archaeological sites in the region were reused and modified over time, with new features being added on top of older ones. Rujm el-Hiri is a prime example of this complex sequence.
The study’s implications extend beyond the Levant, inviting comparative studies with other megalithic structures worldwide. The research team suggests that the techniques used could be used to train AI models to identify similar human-made structures in satellite images, providing further insights into these monuments and their history.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/surprise-turning-of-ancient-wheel-of-ghosts-casts-doubt-on-astronomical-purpose