Photo taken 40 years ago reveals Stonehenge in Russia's Caucasus
15.10.2010
The remains of a previously unknown settlement of the Bronze Age were discovered in Russia's Caucasus in October of 2010 with the help of an aerial photo, which was taken 40 years ago. Researchers have already dubbed the finding "Stonehenge in the Caucasus." Archeologists believe that the recent discovery will make scientists take a new look at the history of colonization of the region during the second millennium B.C.
Archeologists have discovered nearly 200 settlements on the highland plateau in the Kislovodsk basin - from the Kuban River to the Malka River (towards Elbrus Mount). The newly recovered data were exposed at the round-table discussion in Kislovodsk last week.
The remains of ancient settlements are situated at the height of 1,400-2,400 meters above sea level. All the settlements have one and the same construction plan. There is an oval-shaped square in the center with straight streets coming out in various directions, like sun rays.
The central square was surrounded by a circle of two-room constructions that have been preserved as massive rock foundations. Some of them are rather tall (more than a meter high), and scientists may only guess why such constructions were erected.
Such a construction plan is very reminiscent of renowned Stonehenge in England, the mystery of which is still unveiled. There is every reason to believe, though, that ancient people were living in those constructions: fragments of ceramic vessels, decorations and household bronze items were found near the rock basements.
No burial ground was discovered near the settlements. This became a surprise to researchers because the people of the Bronze Age normally arranged graveyards near their places of residence. Scientists believe that the strange constructions might have been created for ritual purposes.
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