Vishap stelae as cult dedicated prehistoric monuments of Armenian Highlands: data analysis and interpretation

TL;DR

This study analyzes vishap stelae in Armenia, revealing their deliberate construction, association with water cults, and specific placement patterns, shedding light on their social and religious significance in prehistoric times.

Contribution

It provides the first statistical analysis of vishap stelae's distribution and supports their role in water-related rituals and societal practices.

Findings

Vishaps are intentionally labor-intensive structures.

They are predominantly located near water sources.

Their altitude distribution shows a bimodal pattern linked to ritual practices.

Abstract

Vishaps, or dragon stones, are prehistoric stelae discovered in the high-altitude mountainous regions of modern-day Armenia and adjacent regions. The first statistical analysis of their elevation distribution and size reveals that their construction was intentionally labor-intensive rather than arbitrary. The findings support the hypothesis that vishaps were closely associated with an ancient water cult, as they are predominantly situated near water sources, including high-altitude springs and discovered prehistoric irrigation systems. Furthermore, the unexpected bimodal distribution of their altitudes suggests specific placement patterns, potentially linked to seasonal human activities or ritual practices. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the symbolic and functional significance of vishap stelae within the framework of prehistoric social and religious systems.