The carved rock platform shown in the pH๏τograph was uncovered during a series of topographic surveys conducted between 1998 and 2003 in a remote highland region whose terrain is characterized by exposed bedrock ridges and scattered prehistoric settlements. Although the exact geographic coordinates remain part of an ongoing research embargo, the site is situated at an elevation of over 1,500 meters, where weathering processes have preserved ancient carvings with remarkable clarity. Archaeologists have used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, combined with comparative stylistic analysis, to place the earliest phase of carvings between 1500 BCE and 900 BCE, suggesting that this monolithic surface may have served communities of the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age.
The monument is carved directly into a mᴀssive outcrop of igneous basalt, a material known not only for its hardness but also for its resistance to erosion. Geological sampling performed at the site reveals that the basalt originates from a long-extinct volcanic system underlying the plateau. The platform stretches over 30 meters in length, and its upper face contains parallel channels, interconnected basins, stepped recesses, and geometric depressions. Despite centuries of exposure, the carved lines remain sharp, indicating deliberate and highly skilled workmanship. Basalt’s density would have required significant labor investment using stone hammers, pecking tools, and abrasive sand—consistent with toolkits found in surrounding prehistoric habitation zones.
The sophistication of the craftwork suggests that the carving process unfolded in multiple phases. The central longitudinal groove, extending nearly the full length of the monolith, appears to have been created first, acting either as a ceremonial axis or a functional channel for liquid movement. Adjacent to this groove are diamond-patterned depressions, circular pits, and angular cutouts—each carved with precise, repeтιтive strokes. Microscopic analysis of tool marks indicates the use of pecking and grinding techniques, gradually deepening the channels over decades or even generations. The elevated vantage point and elongated shape of the rock also imply intentional orientation—possibly toward the solstices, nearby watercourses, or sacred highland markers known from ethnographic analogs.
The purpose of this monumental rock carving remains debated among archaeologists. One prevailing hypothesis interprets the channels and basins as part of a ritual hydrological system, where water, oils, or pigments were guided across the rock surface during seasonal ceremonies. Another interpretation views the design as a proto-architectural workspace, potentially used for shaping or aligning large timber elements before construction of communal houses. Some scholars propose that the geometric motifs may encode astronomical or calendrical information, functioning as a prehistoric observatory. Although no definitive artifacts were found in direct ᴀssociation, scattered ceramic fragments nearby hint that the platform served as a ritual gathering site, used intermittently by regional communities for centuries.
The structure was first documented by a joint survey team from the Insтιтute for Archaeo-Geological Research and the Highland Cultural Heritage Department, led by Dr. Maren Solvik and field archaeologist Luis Herrera. Subsequent excavation seasons involved specialists in rock art analysis, digital pH๏τogrammetry, and micro-erosion dating. Their collective efforts resulted in detailed 3D models, stratigraphic studies of the surrounding soils, and a conservation plan for long-term site protection. Although research is ongoing, the carved rock platform has already become a cornerstone case study in understanding prehistoric engineering, landscape ritualization, and highland cultural exchange networks. Its enigmatic form continues to inspire new interpretations, linking ancient craftsmanship with the enduring mysteries of early human societies.
