Shaori Megaliths (Region of Samtskhe-Javakheti)
Cyclopean Fortress Shaori (Georgian: შაორის ციკლოპური ციხე) – Cyclopean Fortress is built on a mountain, which is an extinct volcano. Megalithic structure of the Bronze Age in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Despite its apparent simplicity, the complex is of great importance. Archaeo-astronomical studies have shown that it is oriented towards the horizon point with a geodetic azimuth of 98-100 degrees. This may indicate the probable use of the complex as a Solar Observatory. Here, standing near the central menhir, the ancients could observe the sunrises and sunsets of the Sun on the days of the Solstices. And a number of other astronomical phenomena.
It should be noted that the fortifications on Mount Shaori do not have buttresses. This may indicate a chronological difference from other fortifications. It is possible that the absence of buttresses may be a kind of indicator of religious buildings and the complex was a large religious center, which, together with the cyclopean complex of Abuli, united a certain “country” and, possibly, other, smaller political units. Shaori consists of two fortresses. One main one on the western peak, and a more modest fortress on the eastern peak. Perhaps, priests lived inside the large fortress, and servants or lower-ranking priests lived outside. The mountain on which the fortress is located stands somehow separately and clearly stands out among the neighboring peaks. It could well have been considered a sacred place.
Mount Shaori (Georgian: შაორის მთა), Ninotsminda Municipality (Georgian: ნინოწმინდის მუნიციპალიტეტი)