Megalithic complex ZORATS KARER (another name - Karahunj) - famous prehistoric complex, located in the Republic of Armenia, Syunik Marz, Sisian, the city on the left bank of the river gorge gift. The total area of ​​the megalithic complex of more than 7 hectares.

This famous megalithic structure of Armenia consists of hundreds of vertically set two-meter stones - menhirs, with the top of the through-holes. Armenians call it "the Armenian Stonehenge." Menhirs stretching from south to north.

Until now, unknown age of this ancient monument. Scientists' opinions diverged on this issue. Some say that Karahunj was built no later than the III millennium BC, while others believe that the building was erected in the IV millennium BC, still others have come to believe that the age of the complex - about 7,500 years. But regardless of age ZORATS KARER impressive of its kind: a plateau in the high mountains, rises 300 vertical megaliths. The stones are arranged in the form of two rings. Located in the center of the ring contains 40 stones forming an ellipse.

There are a number of assumptions concerning the purpose of religious or astronomical monument. His study involved four scientific expeditions, which led the eminent Armenian scientist - Academician Paris Heruni. During the study of prehistoric monuments have been identified its size, geographical coordinates, topographic survey conducted numerous surveillance through the holes in the rocks during sunrise, sunset, in the days of autumn and spring equinox and winter and summer solstice.

After carrying out a large amount of computational work, scientists have come to believe that prehistoric structure had a threefold purpose, namely, as a temple of Ara - the god of the ancient Armenians as a university - a complex built over 7500 years ago and worked for 5 500 years, observatory It equipped with a special stone tools, which allows measurements up to 30 seconds of arc.

And there is a theory about the meaning of Karahunj both ancient necropolis, or burial.