A groundbreaking study has cast doubt on the long-held belief that Rujm el-Hiri, an ancient structure in the Golan Heights, functioned as an astronomical observatory. Known as the Wheel of Spirits, this site has intrigued researchers for decades due to its massive circular stone walls and mysterious design. However, new findings suggest that geodynamic shifts in the region make its use as an observatory improbable.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Ben Gurion University of the Negev conducted a comprehensive investigation into the site, combining geophysical analysis, geomagnetic measurements, and advanced remote sensing technologies. The study, published in the journal Remote Sensing, reveals that the soil beneath the Golan Heights has been subject to tectonic shifts for approximately 150 million years. These movements, occurring at an average rate of 8–15 millimeters per year, have caused significant reorientation of the site over thousands of years.
The research team, led by Dr. Olga Khabarova and Prof. Lev Eppelbaum, found that the original alignment of Rujm el-Hiri’s walls and entrances does not correspond to celestial observations as previously assumed. By reconstructing the region’s tectonic history, the researchers demonstrated that the site’s current position differs from its ancient orientation, disqualifying it as an effective tool for tracking celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes.

According to the study, researchers analyzed the alignment of the site with astronomical events as they would have appeared between 2500 and 3500 BCE, the estimated time of the structure’s construction. The findings indicate that the radial walls and entrances, now misaligned, would not have provided accurate astronomical observations in their original form.
In addition to their focus on Rujm el-Hiri, the researchers conducted an extensive survey of the surrounding region, mapping an area of 30 kilometers around the Sea of Galilee. Using advanced satellite imagery, they documented numerous archaeological features that provide insight into the ancient inhabitants of the Golan Heights.
The survey revealed structures ranging from 40 to 90 meters in diameter, thick stone walls, and circular enclosures likely used for agricultural or pastoral purposes. Additionally, the team identified dozens of tumuli—stone mounds that may have served as burial sites, storage facilities, or shelters.

While the site’s astronomical significance is now under question, its purpose remains enigmatic. The discovery of burial mounds and agricultural structures suggests that the site could have been part of a broader socio-cultural or ritual landscape. These findings open the door to new interpretations of the Wheel of Spirits, potentially framing it as a ceremonial or communal hub rather than an observatory.
Dr. Khvurova and her team emphasized the significance of the study in reevaluating the historical narrative of the Golan Heights. This research not only challenges previous theories but also deepens our understanding of ancient life in this region. By integrating geomagnetic data with archaeological evidence, we’ve uncovered a complex tapestry of human activity and adaptation.
The study marks a significant step forward in understanding the purpose and history of Rujm el-Hiri. Future research may explore the connections between the site and other ancient structures in the region, as well as the broader implications of geodynamic shifts on archaeological interpretation.
SOURCES
Khabarova, Olga, Michal Birkenfeld, and Lev V. Eppelbaum, Discussion Points of the Remote Sensing Study and Integrated Analysis of the Archaeological Landscape of Rujm el-Hiri. Remote Sensing 16, no. 22: 4239. doi.org/10.3390/rs16224239
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