Rujm el-Hiri, the ancient and mysterious monument located in the Golan Heights, is one of the greatest archaeological enigmas of the Middle East. Known for its circular stone structures and architectural complexity, the site has always intrigued scientists and scholars. However, recent research is challenging previous notions about its purpose and origin, raising even deeper questions about who built the site and why.
What Is Rujm el-Hiri?
Rujm el-Hiri, also called "Gilgal Refaim" or "Circle of the Giants," is a megalithic structure composed of over 42,000 tons of basalt rocks. Located in the Golan Heights, near the border between Israel and Syria, the site is formed by concentric circles of stone, with a central chamber believed to have been used as a tomb or for ceremonial purposes.
Rujm el-Hiri, an archaeological site from the early Bronze Age II (3000-2700 BC) located in the center of the Golan Heights, near Yonatan. It contains over 42,000 basalt rocks, with a diameter of 160 m and a height of 2.4 m. November 10, 2021.
Dating back to the Chalcolithic Period, around 3000 BC, the monument was discovered in the 1960s and quickly became a topic of archaeological fascination. Theories about its function vary widely, from a site for astrological rituals to a fortress or cemetery.
New Discoveries: The Ceremonial Purpose
According to research published by The Jerusalem Post, a team of archaeologists led by Dr. Uri Berger and Dr. Ilana Gonen from the Israel Antiquities Authority suggests that Rujm el-Hiri may not have been just a ceremonial site. They argue that the monument also served social, functional, and political purposes.
Recent Archaeological Evidence
- Subterranean Structures: Explorations revealed underground chambers that could have been used for food storage or to shelter people during extreme weather events.
- Astronomical Alignments: Studies confirmed that some stones are aligned with solstices and equinoxes, suggesting an astrological purpose linked to the cycle of seasons.
- Human Artifacts: Fragments of pottery and stone tools indicate active human presence at the site for centuries after its construction.
These discoveries challenge the idea that Rujm el-Hiri was merely an "ancestral cemetery." Instead, the site may have been a multifunctional center for the community that built it.
Rujm el-Hiri, an archaeological site from the early Bronze Age II (3000-2700 BC) located in the center of the Golan Heights, near Yonatan. It contains over 42,000 basalt rocks, with a diameter of 160 m and a height of 2.4 m. November 10, 2021.
The Biblical Context and the Giants of Golan
The name "Gilgal Refaim," translated as "Circle of the Giants," is directly linked to biblical texts that mention the Refaim, described as a people of tall and powerful men who inhabited Canaan. The Bible recounts figures like Og, king of Bashan, who is said to have possessed an iron bed approximately 4 meters long (Deuteronomy 3:11), suggesting an extraordinary stature.
This biblical connection is significant for many scholars who argue that structures like Rujm el-Hiri could have been the work of peoples with above-normal skills and physique. These "giants" may have been responsible for erecting megalithic monuments, the construction techniques of which still challenge modern understanding.
When considering the biblical context, Rujm el-Hiri is not just an archaeological monument, but also a window into a past that blends history, mythology, and faith.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Chalcolithic Period
During the Chalcolithic Period, the region of the Golan Heights was inhabited by communities transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary existence. This led to the development of agricultural techniques, trade, and possibly more complex social organizations necessary to build monuments like Rujm el-Hiri.
Connection to Other Megalithic Monuments
Rujm el-Hiri shares architectural similarities with other megalithic sites around the world, such as Stonehenge in England and the Nabta Playa Circle in Egypt. These structures also feature astronomical alignments and were used for ceremonial purposes.
The Secrets Still Hidden
Despite advances in research, many questions remain unanswered. Who really built Rujm el-Hiri? What was the social hierarchy or organization required to create something so monumental? And why was it abandoned?
One of the most intriguing hypotheses is that the site may have served as a "weather observation center," allowing its builders to predict climate changes and adapt their agricultural practices.
Current Relevance
Rujm el-Hiri continues to be a symbol of how modern technological advances can help us understand the past. Technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and spectrometry analyses are being employed to map underground areas and determine the exact composition of the rocks used in construction.
Furthermore, the site is a cultural connection point, attracting tourists, scholars, and history enthusiasts. It also serves as a reminder of the impact of ancient communities on the modern landscape.
The mystery of Rujm el-Hiri is far from resolved, but each new discovery brings us a little closer to unraveling the secrets of this impressive monument. The mention of the "Giants of Golan" in the Bible provides a rich and intriguing context that connects faith, archaeology, and history. The site continues to inspire fascination and curiosity.
Rujm el-Hiri is not just a monument; it is a tangible reminder of human capacity to create, connect, and seek answers to the deepest questions of existence. With each step taken in exploring this site, we learn not only about the ancients but also about ourselves and our eternal desire to understand the inexplicable.
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