New research has shed light on the purpose of Armenia's ancient "vishaps," or "dragon stones," prehistoric monoliths that have long intrigued archaeologists. These towering stones, standing between 3 and 18 feet tall and often carved with images of wildlife like fish and cattle, were strategically placed near water sources in high-altitude meadows. This placement suggests a profound connection to ancient water cults and sophisticated water management systems.
The study, expected to be published in npj Heritage Science on September 1, 2025, analyzed the distribution of 115 vishaps across the Armenian Highlands. Researchers Vahe Gurzadyan and Arsen Bobokhyan of Yerevan State University led the findings, indicating that these monuments were integral to a complex system of water management. Radiocarbon dating from the Tirinkatar site on Mount Aragats places some vishaps as far back as 4200 to 4000 BCE, during the Chalcolithic period, making them contemporary with early phases of Stonehenge and Göbekli Tepe. The deliberate placement of these multi-ton stones at elevations reaching up to 8,800 feet underscores the immense labor and cultural significance invested in these sites.
The vishaps demonstrate a remarkable continuity of cultural meaning through millennia. Between the 9th and 6th centuries BCE, these stones were re-inscribed with messages in the Urartian language, and later inscriptions in medieval Armenian script further attest to their enduring impact. Crucially, the design elements of the vishaps can be seen echoed in later khachkars—the intricately carved cross-stones central to Armenian Christian art—highlighting a deep-seated cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.
The ongoing preservation of these ancient monuments is vital, as they continue to offer invaluable insights into the spiritual practices and societal structures of early Armenian cultures and their profound relationship with water. This also includes a deeper understanding of ancient European spiritual practices. The study emphasizes that these monuments represent one of the most impressive examples of how cults are associated with significant societal efforts, reflecting the cultural imagination of Armenia's earliest societies. The uniqueness of vishaps lies in their connection to water cults, whereas many other megaliths in Europe and Asia may have been associated with the sun, agriculture, or other aspects, suggesting the particular importance of water for ancient Armenian communities.