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Russia's megaliths:
unearthing the prehistoric tombs of Caucasian warlords in Zhane
Valley
Research
sites: The group of dolmens in the Zhane Valley, Gelenjik,
Western Caucasus, Russia
Project dates: Since 1997 up to now
Principal Investigator: Dr. Viktor Trifonov, Institute
for Study of Material Culture History, Russian Academy of
Sciences, St.-Petersburg, Russia
The project aims to study, restore, protect and eventually
present a unique group of prehistoric megalithic tombs to the
public in their recreated cultural landscape. The project is
innovative in Russian archaeology in terms of scale, goals,
place, and methods.
Our team has introduced to Russia innovative methods for
unearthing megaliths. They allow us to discover external hidden
structures built in conjunction with the dolmens (such as court
yards, roofed passages, dry walling, ramparts, ritual places,
etc.) and restore them to an appearance close to the original
one. By using these new methods, we have a unique opportunity to
learn more about prehistoric building techniques and burial
rituals.
The strategy of the fieldwork was to investigate the Zhane group
of dolmens (Gelenjik, Western Caucasus, Russia) and by means of
a systematic survey of the valley, to consider the site within
the wider valley environment. This way we hope to build up a
pattern of the regional distribution of the dolmen cemeteries,
quarries and settlements.
The excavations were highly successful and resulted in the
understanding of basic principals of dolmen construction and
building technique. With completing the dig of the dolmens in
Zhane Valley, we are able to present now the first COMPLETELY
excavated megalithic complex in the Caucasus.
Acknowledgments:
The field work in Zhane Valley was made possible by
significant grants from the Institute for Study of Material
Culture History, Russian Academy of Sciences, St.-Petersburg,
and from the Committee for Research and Exploration of the
National Geographic Society. Supports from the Committee for
Protection
 of
Cultural Heritage, Krasnodar, and from the Russian Ministry of
Culture are also gratefully acknowledged.
I want especially to thank volunteers from the USA, United
Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Holland, Spain, Sweden, Denmark,
Germany, Australia. Each of your shovelfuls and every one of
your efforts, helps to preserve cultural heritage of the ancient
Caucasian people.
I would simply like to say a very big "Thank you" to my
colleagues from my Institute, and to Vladimir Terebenin –
chief-photographer from the Hermitage, for doing such an
incredible job of directing the field program.
Special thanks to Professor Vladimir Markovin - a legendary man,
who laid the foundations of modern megalithic studies in the
Caucasus. His wise guidance was a significant contribution to
the project success.
I would like to acknowledge Valeria Garanina - deputy director
of the Committee for Protection of Cultural Heritage, Krasnodar
- who made a significant difference in our ability to provide
support to students and volunteers at a higher level than was
done previously.
Special thanks to research staff of the Gelenjik Museum - Galina
Tyagunova and Ira Petrova - who contributed much of their time,
knowledge and experience to support the field research.
I want especially to thank Eugen Kolpakov - leader of the
topographic team, who made a significant contribution to the
improvement of the style and accuracy of the project mapping.
Special thanks to Eugen for keeping his jeep ready for any
traffic emergency (touch wood!).
I also would like to acknowledge the Gornoe Solntse health
center staff in Divnomorsk who make our stay every summer a
successful one due to the good facilities and helping care what
make our stay safe and enjoyable.
I also would like to acknowledge the Father Feognost – the
orthodox priest in Divnomorsk who gave his blessing to our
endeavor in protecting of “pagan” cultural heritage.
 And
finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the European
Association of Archaeologists for awarding me with the European
Archaeological Heritage Prize for 2003 (really heavy silver
statuette!). I am deeply honored and moved to receive this
award, which I accept on behalf of the project members who have
worked so tirelessly since 1997.
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Russia's
megaliths: unearthing the prehistoric tombs of Caucasian
warlords in Zhane Valley
Purpose of the Project:
The project aims to study, restore, protect and eventually
present a unique group of prehistoric megalithic tombs to the
public in their recreated cultural landscape. The project is
innovative in Russian archaeology in terms of scale, goals,
place, and methods. It is also a project which has wide support
of the public.
Introduction and Background:
Thousands of prehistoric megalithic monuments are known and
have been studied throughout the world. Some of the megaliths
least known and studied by archaeologists are those in southern
Russia. Also known as dolmens, they can be found in the Western
Caucasus, on the northeast coast of the Black Sea, in an area of
approximately 12,000 square kilometers covering both Russia and
Abkhazia.
The Caucasian dolmens represent a unique type of prehistoric
architecture, built using precisely dressed stone blocks. The
monuments date between the end of the 4th millennium and the 2nd
millennium BC. While generally unknown to the rest of the world,
these Russian megaliths are equal to the great megaliths of
Europe and Asia in terms of age and quality of architecture. Yet
their origins remain unknown.
At the moment, the archaeological catalog lists over 3,000
dolmens in the Western Caucasus. Considering this impressive
list of megalithic tombs, why should one group of three dolmens
in the Zhane Valley particularly merit the keen attention of
archaeologists? First of all, because of the group's unique
architecture, design, size, location and state of preservation.
Another reason to choose this group of dolmens is the
substantial lack of comprehensive knowledge related to the
development and function of these still quite enigmatic
prehistoric megalithic
 structures.
From the early 1820s until recently, only 150 megaliths out of
the over 3,000 dolmens have been excavated, none of them
completely. For a long period of time, Russian archaeologists
practiced an oversimplified and rather primitive method of
dolmen excavation. This method limited itself to first digging
inside the burial chamber, then digging a very narrow strip
around the facade. Since the archaeologists were focused on
collecting grave goods and offerings, they did not pay proper
attention to the dolmens themselves. This method of excavation
finally resulted in a commonly adopted impression that dolmens
were freestanding megalithic burial chambers without any
additional external buildings or architectural structures (Markovin,
1978, 1997). Recent field work and new archaeological evidence
suggests otherwise and demonstrates quite clearly that this view
of Caucasian dolmens stands very far from the truth.
Methods:
Our team has introduced to Russia very innovative methods
for unearthing megaliths. They allow us to discover external
hidden structures built in conjunction with the dolmens (such as
court yards, roofed passages, dry walling, ramparts, ritual
places, etc.) and restore them to an appearance close to the
original one. By using these new methods, we have a unique
opportunity to learn more about prehistoric building techniques
and burial rituals.
Field Strategy:
The
strategy of the fieldwork 1997-2004 was to investigate the Zhane
group of dolmens and by means of a systematic survey of the
valley, to consider the site within the wider valley
environment. This way we hope to build up a pattern of the
regional distribution of the dolmen cemeteries, quarries and
settlements.
 Naturally, our general aims are followed by more specific
questions. When, why and how was the Zhane megalithic complex
built? What did it look like originally? For how long, and in
what way, was the complex in use? What lies behind the
differences between the Zhane complex and the rest of the
dolmens in the Zhane Valley? Looking for answers to these
questions we hope to finally shed light on an enduring
archaeological mystery - the genesis of the Caucasian megaliths.
Excavation Results
Zhane I – central group of dolmens:
Our three dolmens stand built in a row, on a hill overlooking
the Zhane river near the coastal resort town Gelendjik
The
site covers approximately 3,000 sq. meters. The central monument
is a rectangular structure, 4 x 4 meters, while the two flanking
dolmens are circular, 4 and 5 meters in diameter. The two round
dolmens had been bulldozed, probably in the 1950’s, in order to
harvest the rest of the surrounding trees. The main structure of
the central dolmen had not been damaged although, what appears
to have been a courtyard, was. Because the dolmen 1 suffered the
most serious damage, it was decided to first excavate this one
for the initial season of excavation in 1997. The purpose of the
work was twofold: first, to excavate the area and obtain
whatever data was available and second, to reassemble the dolmen
as close to the original condition as possible. By the end of
the season 1998 the dolmen and surrounding structures were
excavated, recorded and finally the “Felitsyn” dolmen was indeed
reassembled.
 Drawings
and photographs from both the XIX century and earlier in XX
century were used as a guide for this latter purpose. Comparing
these photos with a final result of reassembling we decided that
the goal was achieved.
The experience we gained during the first season encouraged us
to continue the project.
The excavations of the 1999 - 2002 seasons have unearthed very striking structures
which make up the dolmen complex. Paved court yards (300 square
meters) lay in front of the dolmens, surrounded by 2.5 meters
high cyclopic walls (stretching for over 24 meters) and large
stone mounds with retaining walls.
In 2003, what we decided to explore first was the perimeter of
the mounds around dolmens 2. The initial purpose for working in
this area was to discover the relationship between the burial
chamber and the courtyard in front of it. Hard to believe now,
but before our excavation in the Zhane Valley, a mound itself
and the courtyard, as an intentional structures around
megalithic burial chamber, were disputed as a highly improbable
structure! Another point of view interpreted mound and courtyard
as late additions to the initial structure.
The 2003 excavations revealed and explored the massive dry
walling (about 25 m long) which shaped a high "curb" around the
external perimeter of the courtyard (dimensions of the area
which was under excavations – 30 m X 4 m).
When the external edge
 of the courtyard was laid bare, it
exposed long rows of massive well-dressed stone blocks – remains
of the wall. The foundation of this wall was still intact. The
dry walling was made with big, well-dressed sandstone blocks
which were carefully fitted each other by shape and size. The
outer side of each block was slightly curved to keep the rounded
line of the wall. The wall was made of three layers of stone
blocks which were put one above another. The wall was about 1.2
m in height from outside and only 0.5 m above the pavement of
the courtyard from inside. So, it means that the courtyard
itself presents rather the massive paved platform. The external
and internal walls of the courtyard meet
each other in carefully elaborated points of junction. The wall
rests on leveled virgin soil and there is no doubt that these
structures were part of the original construction of dolmen.
What was extremely striking for us it is the absence of any
signs of any entrance structure. That is, it was absolutely
blank wall! Speaking frankly I expected to find the gate
providing access to the courtyard and further to the burial
chamber. But the wall was blank and it is turned the courtyard
in front of the chamber into enclosure or ceremonial stage.
Standing in front of the monument you would see it as massive
rounded platform without entrance with colossal decorated portal
of dolmen behind the low wall. The monumental effect was
increased without causing added labor by placing of the burial
chamber, the cairn and courtyard on the leveled spot of the
 slope. With completing the dig of the dolmen 2, we are able to
present now the first COMPLETELY excavated megalithic complex in
the Caucasus.
We also continued with exploring the area in front of the
dolmens, where clear signs of a stone slab workshop were found. The result of the excavation can be summarized in three
short paragraphs.
First, we established that the stone slab workshop was the place
where coarse slabs delivered from the quarry were put in final
form. Semi-finished stone plug, porthole slab and a lot of waste
products indicate that it was intensive process.
Second, it was established that builders of dolmen used both
coarse slabs from the quarry and slabs and blocks from ruined
dolmens.
Third, it was established that builders of dolmen used both
stone and metal (bronze?) tools.
Zhane II:
During the 2003-2004 field season, we worked toward accomplishing one
of the main goals of the project - namely, to understand what
lies behind the differences between the Zhane complex and the
rest of the dolmens in the Zhane Valley. To realize our plan we
started the excavation of another group of dolmens known as
Zhane II that is located only 400 meters from the current site.
The group is comprised of five dolmens standing on a different
distance between each other. We explored a very unique dolmen 2
which belongs to a small group of dolmens which have a secret
entrance. Unlike some ordinary dolmens which have a
perforated slab placed at the façade entrance to the burial
chamber, this one has an entrance which is concealed behind the
chamber. The revealed construction of the “back door” is very
interesting (this is the first one ever excavated in the
Caucasus!). We succeeded in tracing the stages of building. The
most striking fact is that the burial chamber itself was
assembled with six big slabs first with no entrance at all. Then
the entrance shaft made with stone blocks was attached to back
slab of the dolmen. Then the back slab of the dolmen was
perforated providing access into the burial chamber. To close
the hole the massive plug (about 40 kg) was cut out of a single
stone. The entrance shaft was covered with a slab and finally
camouflaged with
 big river pebbles of the mound. This design was
in full conformity with the general plan of building according
to which the paved courtyard was built in front of the facade of
the dolmen. In order to misguide “unauthorized” visitors and
avoid drawing special attention to the secret entrance of the
dolmen, the builders created a façade with a blocked dummy
entrance (some dolmens with hidden entrances have a facade with
skillfully imitated stone plugs and slab joints.). It was
amazing that in spite of absence of any real entrance from the
façade, the courtyard was used as a ceremonial enclosure. It is
worthy to note that in spite of all precautions, “tomb plunders”
broke in to the burial chamber twice as minimum. The first time,
it happened in the Middle Bronze Age – not very late after the
dolmen was built. To get access into the chamber, plunders
removed the cover of the shaft, got down and had to split the
stone plug before to take it off. The signs of this hard work
are still visible on the back slab of the dolmen. The surface of
the broken stone plug has well preserved traces of original
treatment. It shows that the sandstone plug was in use for a
relatively short period – not long enough to abrade these traces
by putting plug in and taking it out of the hole. Another
intrusion was arranged through the break in the façade.
Excavation of the burial chamber provided us with unique data
related to the funeral custom. The stone floor of the chamber
was covered with a human remains represented by some 9
disarticulated and jumbled inhumations from which several skulls
and a lot of of long bones, ribs and ect. were missing. Human
remains were arranged in sort of clusters, which were put on
additional flat stones placed in chamber’s corners. Funerary
offerings included handmade pottery. The pottery spans the
Middle/Late Bronze Age – Early Iron Age. So, it looks like the
excavation revealed so called fractional burials, when only some
of the bones was collected and interred. It seems to be that the
primary burial of the dolmen was destroyed and the burials found
in the chamber are the secondary burials in both senses of this
term.
 Mapping and Survey of the Zhane Valley:
A systematic surface survey of the Zhane Valley (about 500 ha)
contributes new data and ideas that will give us a better
understanding of the spatial relations between elite and
ordinary dolmen cemeteries. The survey's larger objective is to
study the regional distribution of the dolmen cemeteries,
quarries, settlements, pastures and fields. In other words, the
systematic survey is focused on revealing the spatial
structuring of the archaeological record corresponding to
community area. The field survey included the use of GPS and
three-dimensional computer modeling.
Special attention was paid to panoramic and three-dimensional
photography of archaeological sites and local landscapes which
will be presented later on a website providing virtual access to
the valley.
The valley is located between 100 and 600 meters above sea
level. It is a thickly wooded area in which oak, elm and linden
form a dense canopy. The clear cutting of woodland for crops is
still visible. Before the Caucasian war in the 19th century, the
main resources consisted of cattle raising, dry farming of grain
crops and gardening. In the present-day, the valley is extremely
popular as an area for recreation and entertainment. . In a
relatively small area there are some twenty dolmens to visit, a
fairylike forest with hundreds of medieval burial mounds, three
waterfalls and in a beautiful ravine, a medicinal mud bath.
Even for the Caucasus, the density of different archaeological
sites in the valley is very high. Just in the area about 2,000
meters long and 500 meters wide (right bank of the Zhane river),
we spot on the map three groups of dolmens, the Bronze Age and
medieval settlement, a few ancient fields, 746 medieval burial
mounds and a big Bronze Age mound. In addition, there is a
prehistoric quarry located 400 meters from the dolmens, a place
from where sandstone blocks were hewn and transported for the
building of the monuments. The quarry is located on the top of
the ridge – 50 m above the terrace where the main group of
dolmens was erected. So, the difference in heights lightened the
work of delivering of building material from the quarry to the
building spot.
The mapping of the Zhane valley demonstrates one and the same
spatial pattern for both Bronze
 Age and Middle Ages. In other words, habitation area
(settlements,) mortuary area (dolmens and mounds) and fields
were located for thousands years at one and the same parts of
the valley but it is up to concrete archaeological field work to
determine how the individual community areas were really
structured. It is completely unclear at the moment where the
pasture area was situated, i.e. whether it extended behind the
mortuary area on slopes of hills or whether it used the patches
of land unexploited for other activities in the zone between the
river and group of dolmens. Another question is related to
orientation of dolmens in the valley. Both groups of dolmens
were erected on the right bank of the river and directed to the
SE, i.e. to the opposite bank of the Zhane river where the
settlement was located. Whether it means that the stream divides
the valley into two areas - habitation area and mortuary area,-
or not?
Another aspect of the survey and mapping was a detailed analysis
of the pattern of location and orientation of megalithic
monuments in the Zhane river basin.
The results of analysis require us to rethink earlier hypotheses
about the nature of the orientation of dolmens. There is no any
positive correlation between orientations of dolmens and the
cardinal points (N/S/W/E) or directions to the points of
seasonal rise/recess of heavenly bodies (Sun, Moon, basic
constellations). At the same time there are signs of certain
regularities which display an intention to take account of
dolmens by provoking dramatic artificial effect. The visibility
and inter-visibility of dolmens within the open and hilly
landscape of the Zhane river basin allow us to assume that the
pattern of location of megaliths depends on how the prehistoric
people observed natural and artificial landscape. In other
words, how the environment and social space were perceived by
past societies. This study is based on a systematic review of
the locations of dolmens in the Zhane basin. I believe that
comparative study of different patterns of location will allow
us to recognize the monumental strategies used to shape cultural
landscape as a symbolic “megalithic” space.
Collection of Samples:
Three different kinds of samples were collected during the field
seasons:
a) samples for radiocarbon dating which should give us the
possibility of dating the period of time when the dolmen complex
was built and when it was functional;
 b) pollen samples for extrapolating the prehistoric climate and
environment during the dolmen building period;
c) sandstone samples for petrography analysis to identify which
quarries provided the materials that were used to build the
dolmens and surrounding structures.
Comparative petrography analysis of sandstone samples from 12
rock sources in the valley and 15 samples from main group of
dolmens (Zhane I) provided us with a reliable evidence which
allowed us to locate a quarry. Petrography analysis of sandstone
samples from another group of dolmens (Zhane II) shown that
stone blocks were hewn in still unknown to us quarry.
Results of pollen analysis revealed the picture of climate and
landscape changes exactly in the period when dolmens appeared in
the valley. Warmth and moist climate changed suddenly for a cold
and arid phase. After this period, the climate never returned to
its previous warmth. This shows up strongly in forest
composition and coincides with a soil record. Open forest-steppe
vegetation seems to have appeared for several hundred years in
areas that were fairly dense forest both before and afterwards.
Sudden climate and landscape changes, along with cultural
changes in the region, provoke us into further studying of this
coincidence.
Existence of open hilly landscapes in the Western Caucasus
during the Bronze Age changes our impression of the dolmen
locations. Initially, they were never hidden in a deep forest as
they are today. On the contrary, it seems most likely that,
originally, the dolmens were intentionally built on open spots
so as to be visible from a distance. The most solid argument in
support of this claim is still existence of relic steppe
landscape (feather-grass etc.) on the top of the hills
surrounding the Zhane valley (Martkhot ridge). It means that the
steppe landscape could extend down to the foot of hills during
the favorite climate periods and shrink back to its natural
asylum on tops of the hills.
Experimental Study:
 The Caucasian dolmens represent a unique type of prehistoric
architecture, built with large, yet precisely dressed stone
blocks. For example, the stones were either shaped into
90-degree angles to be used as corners or were curved to make a
perfect circle. For better understanding of the building
technique and methods of stone treatment, we carried out a study
of stone waste products found on the site and in the quarry and
prepared a use-wear analysis of the worked blocks. Comparative
analysis of traces found on dolmen blocks demonstrates the
sequence of working operations made with using bronze chisels
and stone hammers. A use-wear analysis of eroded surfaces allowed us to
recognize a wide use of so called “herring bone design” -
decorative finish on external and
internal surfaces of slabs.
To obtain comparative data, we carried out some experiments,
treating the stones by splitting the slabs, dressing them with
bronze chisels and stone hammers. This work has advanced our
knowledge considerably in this research area, but not enough to
come to firmly established conclusions. We plan to continue this
innovative experimental research during coming field seasons.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
FOR CAUCASIAN DOLMENS
Location of Project: Russia, Gelendjik, Krasnadar area,
Black Sea coast, Zhane valley
Purpose: To establish an archaeological park to bring
about the preservation of prehistoric megalithic tombs in their
original environment. This would be the first of its kind in
Russia. The aim is to study, protect, and to present these
monuments to the public in a recreated cultural landscape.
The Project and
Public Relations:
During previous field seasons, just "by word of mouth," the
excavation site in Zhane Valley attracted thousands visitors
vacationing at the Black Sea. This show of public interest
suggests that after further excavation, the dolmens in the Zhane
Valley should become not only the major megalithic site in the
Western Caucasus, but eventually the central attraction of
Russia's first Archaeological Park, a place where the public can
admire and enjoy these long lost ancient monuments. Our ultimate
goal is to educate the public about the cultural heritage of the
Caucasian people and help preserve it for the future.
The Project is widely accepted by local people and the
scientific community. Early results have been presented to the
academic community and have met with enthusiastic response by
foreign experts. The Russian project is designed along the lines
of the experience and success of the Danish archaeologists Svend
Hansen and Torben Denn, who in 1995 took part in an initial
survey of the Caucasus. This project has drawn the attention of
such well-known specialist as Professor Philip Kohl, director of
the Caucasian Center, and Professor Jan Bakker from The
Netherlands, well known for his studies of megaliths. The
Russian Ministry of Culture, the Russian Academy of Sciences,
Committee for protection of cultural heritage, Krasnodar area,
and the Gelendjik local authorities have all approved this Park
Project. Legislation necessary for the Project has already been
completed. The Project will make it possible to open new
perspectives for the improved use of prehistoric places like
these, which are milestones of development and important
vestiges of ancient Caucasian cultural heritage. The Caucasian
dolmens were originally built in harmony with the natural
landscape and after approximately 5.000 years, it is now our
intention to return these monuments to their original condition
in the cultural landscape.
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A few
years before launching the Zhane project I gained
some experience in restoration of megaliths from
 my
Danish colleagues, Dr. Svend Hansen and Dr. Torben
Dehn , who I worked with for a few weeks in Denmark.
Frankly, I was really impressed with what they did.
On returning back to the Caucasus I decided to
combine advantages of a big scale excavation and a
small scale restoration of megaliths. The idea was
based upon integration between carefully planned
excavation and reconstruction with the aim of
understanding the original building methods of the
dolmens. In this way restoration can be carried out
in an authentic way based upon archaeological
documentation and with no use of modern materials.
So, we have introduced not just into Russian
practice new methods of reconstructing archaeology
but substantially developed them in accordance with
a type of monuments and aims of the project. |
The Park Project
:
 There
are a number of advantages for having chosen the Gelenjik,
Krasnadar Area, for the Park. Gelendjik is a resort town on the
Black Sea coast. What will be the park area is in an area that
is already visited by many tourists and is part of a
preservation area that has been archaeologically developed in
cooperation with the National Forest Service and the local
government since 1997. Within this area, in a relative confined
space, are three separate groups of dolmens, totaling 18. Some
of these dolmens are unique in terms of age, architecture,
building technique and decoration. The aims of this project are
(1) to survey of all archaeological sites in the valley, (2)
excavate dolmens and their courtyards, (3) reassemble ruined
dolmens and courtyards avoiding any modernizing of ancient
building technique (ICOMOS, 1964), (4) create favorable
conditions for the recovery of the original deciduous Caucasian
forest, including providing for appropriate facilities which
reduce the risk of pollution and damage by public within the
park area, (5) provide aids to improving public understanding of
the site.
Environmental Aspect of the Project:
In the period between 1922 and 1934 (immediately after the
Russian Civil War) a few foreign timber companies (mainly
English) were granted concessions to harvest trees in the
Gelenjik area. During these 12 years the area was totally
deforested. This was the final blow in the long history of
deforestation of the Northwest Black Sea coast. The now barren
slopes began to suffer from destructive soil erosion. As a
result of the progressive loss of trees and increased soil
erosion caused severe destruction of the prehistoric megalithic
tombs, the dolmens. It is now difficult to find trees more than
70 years old. The environmental shock of this injurious falling
of the unique Caucasian forest was so strong that even now 70
years later there are no signs of normal natural forest
reproduction in the area. Special forest and botanical research
carried out by the local forest service and botanists from
St.Petersburg University resulted in practical recommendations
how to create favorable conditions for the recovery of the
original deciduous Caucasian forest, which thousands of years
ago was home to megalithic tombs and sanctuaries. Therefore, in
addition to excavating and reassembling the dolmens, we plan to
reconstruct the natural environment and return the ancient
cultural landscape to its original appearance. The dolmens will
benefit by having added protection as well being placed in their
correct setting.
 Educational
Aspect of the Project:
As an educational centre, a park for the dolmens will provide a
unique opportunity to learn more about the cultural heritage of
the ancient Caucasian people, a mere 15 minutes drive from the
beach. The Park itself will become a remarkable place in a
seaside resort area and compensate visitors for lack of
easy-to-reach ancient sights and the disappearing of
traditional, Soviet-era places-to-visit in the area (like
General Secretary Brezhnev's command post). Taking measures to
improve the quality of public access to the Park will help to
ensure that the dolmens are well preserved, while at the same
time fostering public understanding of their ancient cultural
heritage.
Business aspect of the project:
A park for the dolmens will be a profitable component in the
local tourist industry. More than 500.000 people visit the
Gelenjik area during the Summer-Fall season. Thousands of people
also come to the Zhane valley (May - September, 2006 - approx..
2500-3000 per day). The more tourists and visitors to the area,
the more revenue will be generated for the city budget and thus
more funding to maintain the park monuments as a part of the
municipal property and visa versa. Local authority aims to
encourage investment in the Park Project.
The particular conditions of the Project:
 The
urgency of the Park Project has come about under unusual
circumstances. For centuries the dolmens have generally been
ignored by society and weren't considered part of local culture.
Only in the last two years have these stone structures attracted
popular attention by local people and have in fact become
gathering places for local cults and the subject of
sometimes-fantastic stories of origin. These tales say that the
dolmens were the first computers, ultra-sonic forces, launching
platforms for unidentified flying objects and that they were
built by giants for smart dwarfs who rode rabbits. The spiritual
attention to these monuments is quite serious. Many people come
to meditate, bring gifts of flowers and food, or just to touch
the stones in order
to receive their energy. While this in itself is not harmful to
the monuments, there are instances know where groups have
organized digging in order to find some 'sacred' but portable
artifacts to take home. This of course leads to greater
destruction of the monuments and obliterates important
archaeological information. One group dug inside a dolmen, ate
the dirt and took away some more layers to be used as medicine.
These cults do, however, have the advantage of attracting, in
this unexpected way, public attention to the dolmens.
Nevertheless, in their 'spiritual guidance', these cult groups
spread extremely incorrect information about the dolmens
themselves. The rapidity with which the dolmens have attracted
the attention of these new spiritual believers can be seen at
the site of Zhane. Only one year after Dolmen 1 was in ruin and
ignored, it is subject to the same spiritual attentions that
previously had only been given to Dolmen 2 (whichwas in a good
state). Moreover, the number of visitors has increased
drastically from 150-200 a day to, in the weekends,
approximately 50 people every 30 minutes! If the sites are to be
opened to the general public, steps will have to be taken to
minimize the risk of damage caused by the presence of a great
many visitors.
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