Rujum Al-Hiri

Golan Heights Destinations

Rujum al-Hiri is an ancient archaeological site in the Golan Heights. Despite the very few archaeological finds most scholars date the site to the Early Bronze Age II (3000 – 2700 BCE). The scarcity of finds also left archaeologists puzzled about the purpose of the site. Despite there is no real consensus about its function most suggest it was used for cultic rituals.



More About Rujum Al-Hiri

An aerial view of the site shows a large circle of basalt stones, inside which are smaller circles, some open and some closed. In the center of the circle is a stone mound, a dolmen, about 20 meters in diameter and approximately five meters high. The entire structure has more than 42,000 stones, which were brought to the site about 5,000 years ago. Apparently, the reason why the site is built of basalt stones is the accessibility of these in the Golan Heights. The builders had no difficulty carving the stones from nearby mountains and getting them to the site.


In This Photo: The Burial Chamber in Rujum Al-Hiri

The Discovery of Rujum Al-Hiri

Rujum Al-Hiri is in the Golan Heights, so when it was under Syrian control the site was not considered important. After the six-day war, Israeli Archaeologists thoroughly surveyed the area and found among other things ancient synagogues, megalithic structures. Some ideas about what could be the purpose of the site have been suggested. For example, one theory suggests it was a burial site of some sort dated to the Bronze Age. The tomb that was found at Rujum Al-Hiri might suggest that. Another possibility is the site was used for sky burial as well.

Pagan Worship at Rujum Al-Hiri

According to the hypothesis currently accepted by a large part of scholars, the site served as a stage for special ritual ceremonies during the Bronze Age, on the longest and shortest day of the year. Apparently, about 5,000 years ago the first rays of the sun did penetrate on the longest day of the year through the opening in the northeastern gate. However, they did not enter at a perfect angle. Apparently, the worship was for the gods Asher and Tammuz, the gods of fertility, as giving thanks to them for a good harvest during the year. After the tomb was built in the center, about a thousand years later, the passage of light rays was blocked.


arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Caesarea Philippi

RELATED POSTS

Eilat’s Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve is the place to sip a sweet drink while basking in the sun! Let all your worries wash away in ...

Haifa Port Shore Excursions

Haifa Port shore excursions offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, promising once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Deir es-Sultan

Deir es-Sultan Monastery is perched on the rooftop of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, offers a unique perspective on faith.

Cathedral of Saint James

Join us as we journey to explore the beauty and significance of the Cathedral of Saint James nestled in the Armenian Quarter.

Shivta National Park

Shivta National Park is a remarkable destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient Nabataean civilization.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi is a top popular attraction in Israel. A natural oasis in the middle of the desert you can explore and cool off during ...

Monastery of Saint John In The Wilderness

The Monastery of Saint John in the Wilderness is next to a spring on a wooded hillside. It's the place where John went into the ...

Ein Harod Museum of Art

Ein Harod Museum of Art is my go-to museum in the Jezreel Valley. The Museum addresses marginalized aspects of Israeli art.

Qafzeh Cave

Qafzeh Cave is a prehistoric site in Lower Galilee  at the foot of Mount Precipice, The cave shows first evidence of symbolic behavior.

Tankiziyya Madrasa

The Tankiziyya is an elegant structure, tucked away within the city's streets, is a testament to the Mamluk architectural brilliance.

Need help?

Skip to content