Israel's Stonehenge found to have nearly 30 similar stone circles nearby

Ben-Gurion University researchers used satellite imagery to identify about 28 stone-circle sites within 25 kilometers of Rujm el-Hiri, suggesting the famous monument is part of a broader regional tradition; the structures are circular, made from local basalt, and range roughly 50–250 meters across.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev used advanced satellite imagery and remote sensing to survey areas around Rujm el-Hiri in the Golan Heights. Their analysis, published in PLOS One, identified at least 28 additional stone-circle sites within about 25 kilometers of the well-known monument. The newly recorded sites share similar circular designs and are built from local basalt fieldstones. The findings prompt a wider view of these monuments as parts of a regional architectural and social landscape rather than isolated features. Key findings: - At least 28 previously unreported circular stone sites were identified within roughly 25 kilometers of Rujm el-Hiri using satellite-based survey methods. - The stone circles range in diameter from about 50 to 250 meters and are constructed from basalt fieldstones taken from nearby sources. - Rujm el-Hiri is a central cairn surrounded by multiple concentric basalt rings spanning more than 150 meters; it was first recorded in 1968 and is dated to roughly 3,500–6,500 years ago. - Many of the newly identified sites include circular walls and internal partitions and are often sited near seasonal water sources and areas used for agriculture. - Researchers report that the circles may have served multiple roles in their communities, including ritual gathering, territorial marking, or assembly functions for herding groups. Summary: The discovery indicates that Rujm el-Hiri is likely an elaborate example within a wider tradition of stone-circle construction in the proto-historic Levant, integrated into social and economic landscapes. The study highlights the value of landscape-scale remote sensing for locating previously unknown sites and invites reconsideration of earlier interpretations of individual monuments. Undetermined at this time.