The mystery of 6,000-year-old "dragon stones" placed at high altitudes has been solved as archaeologists have connected them with an "ancient water cult".
The prehistoric monuments in the ancient highlands of Armenia, carved to resemble fish, cow hide, or a mix between the two, have long baffled scientists.
However, in a new study, led by Vahe Gurzadyan and Arsen Bobokhyan of Yerevan State University and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography and published by npj Heritage Science, researchers found that a cult likely influenced the creation of the dragon stones, also known as vishap stele.
The authors said: "The study of vishap stele in Armenia, based on their dimensions and altitudinal distribution, provides compelling evidence for their deliberate placement and labour-intensive construction."
They said that the presence of such large monuments at high elevations suggests "significant cultural motivations" because "human history reveals that usually the cults are indeed associated to significant [labour] efforts of their societies".
Researchers added: "[The stones were] likely tied to the ancient water cult, as vishaps are predominantly located near springs as well as are represented by fish forms."
Dense concentrations of the stones have been found at around 8,800 feet (2682 metres) in elevation.
It is believed this lends evidence to the theory of a structured patten of placement which was linked to both the practical and symbolic importance of high-altitude locations.
Some of the dragon stones were carved to look like fish
|NPJ HERITAGE SCIENCE
The possible connection of vishaps with ancient irrigation systems further supports this.
In the study, the majority of the 115 stones, usually made of local andesite or basalt, range between three and 18 feet (5.5 metres) in length.
Although most were found resting on the floor, the fact that the heads and bodies are carefully carved, while the "tail" is not, suggests the stones at one point protruded vertically from the ground.
The team of scientists used radiocarbon dating on 46 different samples to place the creation of the stones at around 4200 to 4000BC.
ARCHAEOLOGY BREAKTHROUGHS:
Although most of the stones were found lying on the ground, evidence suggests they would have once protruded vertically from the ground
|NPJ HERITAGE SCIENCE
The labour required to source, carve and then polish the stone before transporting the monuments either up or down the mountain would have been immense.
In a continued display of the effort which went into the construction and placement of the vishaps, some of the heaviest were discovered high up in the mountains.
In particular, a 4.3 tonne monument called "Karakap 3" was found at an elevation of 9000 feet (2743 metres).
The authors of the study said: "This suggests the builders intentionally dedicated their limited periods of activity in the higher areas to the construction and transport or large monuments that required much manpower despite the added logistical difficulties, such as providing food and fuel for the workers."
The stones were found at high altitudes in the Armenian highlands
|NPJ HERITAGE SCIENCE
The creation and placement of these dragon stones played important roles in prehistoric scientists.
The authors added: "These findings enhance our understanding of high-altitude archaeological sites and the social structures that shaped prehistoric communities.
"In these regards, comparative studies of vishaps and analogous high-altitude sacred landscapes worldwide provide new interpretative perspectives."
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