The Great Solovetsky islands landscape in the past: a possible relation with stone labyrinths

The Great Solovetsky islands landscape in the The Great Solovetsky islands landscape in the past: past:

a possible relation with stone labyrinthsa possible relation with stone labyrinths

Marco BulloniMarco BulloniEmail: marcobulloni@yahoo.itEmail: marcobulloni@yahoo.it

EVA 2013EVA 2013Moscow, RussiaMoscow, Russia

VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY & VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY & RECONSTRUCTIONSRECONSTRUCTIONS

This study regards an island This study regards an island

and its past,and its past,

and is an attempt to create and is an attempt to create

a synergy between a synergy between

archaeological findings archaeological findings

and and

virtual landscape reconstructionvirtual landscape reconstruction

The The RussianRussian

White sea White sea

WHERE IS THE ISLAND ?

CareliaPlain

Kola Peninsula

ArkangheskRegion

WHERE IS THE ISLAND ?

The The

SolovetskSolovetskyy

ArchipelaArchipelagogo

The The

SolovetskSolovetskyy

ArchipelaArchipelagogo

The The

Artic Artic CircleCircle

WHERE IS THE ISLAND ?

The The GreatGreat

SolovetskSolovetskyy

islandisland

Anzer Anzer islandisland

WHERE IS THE ISLAND ?

KuzovaKuzova

islandsislandsZayatsZayatskyky

islandisland

Great Great SolovetskySolovetskyIslandIsland

The island The island object object

of this studyof this study

WHERE IS THE ISLAND ?

Coastal lines are not very well Coastal lines are not very well defineddefined

THE ISLAND

Water and marsh are almost everywhereWater and marsh are almost everywhere

THE ISLAND

800 Lakes

Peat

Sea

Beautiful landscape in a wild and gentle Beautiful landscape in a wild and gentle territoryterritory

THE ISLAND

760

0 B

P

To

day

WHAT DO WE KNOW ?

From Prehistory to History

First human settlements on the White Sea and Anzer island

760

0 B

P

500

0 B

P

1

To

day

WHAT DO WE KNOW ?

First human settlements on the White Sea and Anzer island

760

0 B

P

500

0 B

P

The White Sea Culture(WSC)inhabitedthe islands

300

0 B

P

1

To

day

2

WHAT DO WE KNOW ?

First human settlements on the White Sea and Anzer island

760

0 B

P

500

0 B

P

The White Sea Culture(WSC)inhabitedthe islands

300

0 B

P

600

BP

Sporadichumanpresenceon theislands

1

To

day

2 3

WHAT DO WE KNOW ?

First human settlements on the White Sea and Anzer island

760

0 B

P

500

0 B

P

The White Sea Culture(WSC)inhabitedthe islands

300

0 B

P

600

BP

Sporadichumanpresenceon theislands

1

To

day

2 3

WHAT DO WE KNOW ?

Monasticperiod

4

Stone Stone alignmentsalignments

on the Kuzova on the Kuzova islandsislands

Photo: Photo:

V. NikolaenkoV. Nikolaenko

THE WHITE SEA PREHISTORY

THE WHITE SEA PREHISTORY

Monolithic Monolithic stonesstoneson the on the

White Sea White Sea shoresshores

Photo: Photo:

V. NikolaenkoV. Nikolaenko

Photo: Photo:

V. NikolaenkoV. Nikolaenko

THE WHITE SEA PREHISTORY

The WSC was technologically evolved The WSC was technologically evolved

Petroglyphs on the Petroglyphs on the Carelian sea Carelian sea

coastscoasts

Uncommon navigational skill and well Uncommon navigational skill and well organizedorganized

THE WHITE SEA PREHISTORY

Very interesting petroglyphsVery interesting petroglyphs

THE WHITE SEA PREHISTORY

Due to its great historical and Due to its great historical and

archaeological value:archaeological value:

1) in 1967 a department devoted to the 1) in 1967 a department devoted to the islands was created, known as “islands was created, known as “Solovki

State historical, architectural and natural museum-reserve”

2) in 1994 the whole archipelago was 2) in 1994 the whole archipelago was inscribed in the “UNESCO World heritage inscribed in the “UNESCO World heritage

list” list”

THE SOLOVETSKY ARCHIPELAGO

Why in the last Why in the last 30 years,30 years,

50.000 50.000 archaeologicalarchaeological

findings have findings have been foundbeen found

on the neareston the nearest

islands, and islands, and

0 on the Great 0 on the Great Solovetsky ? Solovetsky ?

THE REAL QUESTION:

THE POSSIBLE ANSWERS

1)1)Up to now is has not yet possible to explore Up to now is has not yet possible to explore Solovetsky island due to logistic difficulties , lack of Solovetsky island due to logistic difficulties , lack of funds, priorities;funds, priorities;

2)2)Archaeologists have not been helped by geologists in Archaeologists have not been helped by geologists in order to select the right Solovetsky places to explore;order to select the right Solovetsky places to explore;

3)3)One theory suggests that the island was a holy place: One theory suggests that the island was a holy place: for this reason there is no evidence of human for this reason there is no evidence of human settlements;settlements;

4)4)Most of the archaeologists say that the island was Most of the archaeologists say that the island was under the sea, so it has not been inhabited in the past.under the sea, so it has not been inhabited in the past.

This study wants to reduce uncertainty related to the This study wants to reduce uncertainty related to the answersanswers

The structure The structure

of the island of the island

remained remained

covered by ice covered by ice

until 12.000 until 12.000

years ago years ago

(the end of the (the end of the

last glacial era)last glacial era)

Island

Limit of ice duringThe last glacial era

THE ISLAND COVERED BY ICE

With the end With the end

of the lastof the last

glacial era, glacial era,

the island the island

startedstarted

to emerge to emerge

from water from water

due to the due to the

so called “isostatic rebound”. so called “isostatic rebound”.

THE ISLAND ARISE FROM THE SEA

Assumption: the data for Kuzova islandAssumption: the data for Kuzova island

can also be used for Solovetsky island can also be used for Solovetsky island

THE METODOLOGY USED

KUZOVA

SOLOVETSKY

40 kms

THE WHITE SEABED NEAR KUZOVA

PERIOD (Stage)

FROM (YBP)

TO (YBP)

SEA LEVEL(m)

Last glaciation 23,000 18.000 + 3.000 (ice)

Luga 14.000 13.000 -100 m (ice)

Neva 12.300 11.800 ice on rocks

Allerod Interstadial I 11.800 10.800 80 - 70

Salpausselka I 10.800 10.600 70 - 65

Salpausselka II 10.400 10.200 65 - 47

Preboreal stage 10.200 9.300 47 - 33

Boreal time 9.300 7.800 33 - 26

Atlantic time 7.800 4.800 26 - 19

Subboreal time 4.800 2.800 19 - 13,5

Suatlantic time 2.800 0 13,5 - 0

THE WHITE SEABED NEAR KUZOVA

THE DATA USED FOR EMERSION

THE SOLOVETSKY ARISE

Data: NASA ASTER GDEM V002

The Solovetsky The Solovetsky

archipelagoarchipelago

gradually gradually

increased itsincreased its

size from zero size from zero

to the to the

actual actual

dimensions of dimensions of

320 Square kms320 Square kms

THE SOLOVETSKY INCREASE

YBP Square Km

12.000 0

11.000 0,04

10.000 2,71

9.000 4,86

8.000 9,65

7.000 14,47

6.000 18,94

5.000 27,96

4.000 35,66

3.000 50,97

2.000 91,96

1.000 158,22

0 320,41

THE SOLOVETSKY INCREASE

THE YEAR OF FIRST HUMAN PRESENCE

Anzer Anzer islandisland

Solovetsky Solovetsky islandisland

7.600 YBP7.600 YBP

THE WHITE SEA CULTURE ARRIVAL

Anzer Anzer islandisland

Solovetsky Solovetsky islandisland

5.000 YBP5.000 YBP

Anzer Anzer islandisland

Solovetsky Solovetsky islandisland

3.000 YBP3.000 YBP

THE WHITE SEA CULTURE DEPARTURE

SOLOVETSKY AND HUMAN PRESENCE

EVENT YBP COAST LEVELISLAND’S

SQUARE KM %

First human presence 7600 25,5 11,9 100%

Begin of White Sea culture 5000 19,5 26,2 220%

End of White Sea Culture 3000 13,5 53,7 451%

In presence of human beings, the sea changed In presence of human beings, the sea changed its level at the velocity of 30 cm / 100 yits level at the velocity of 30 cm / 100 y

THE SOLOVETSKY INCREASE

My hypothesis: ancient people were conscious of this My hypothesis: ancient people were conscious of this raise:raise:

1)1)The raise velocity of 30 cm / 100 y was constant for The raise velocity of 30 cm / 100 y was constant for at least 4.600 years;at least 4.600 years;2)2)The people leaving on the islands where mainly The people leaving on the islands where mainly fishermen and sailors who build settlement on the sea fishermen and sailors who build settlement on the sea shores;shores;3)3)Any kind of canal or little port, built for repairing Any kind of canal or little port, built for repairing boats, need to be rebuilt from one generation to boats, need to be rebuilt from one generation to another;another;4)4)In 4.600 years of human presence, the island In 4.600 years of human presence, the island increased 4,5 times its initial dimensions;increased 4,5 times its initial dimensions;

These facts could have not been ignored by human These facts could have not been ignored by human beings.beings.Can we look for proofs about an island arising from Can we look for proofs about an island arising from waters? waters?

THE LABYRINTHS

On the islands of On the islands of the archipelago the archipelago

many stone many stone labyrinths have labyrinths have

been found. been found.

In particular, In particular, three of them are three of them are of great interest, of great interest,

on Zayatsky on Zayatsky islandisland

THE LABYRINTHS

THE LABYRINTHS

An aerial An aerial view of view of

the the labyrinthslabyrinths

THE LABYRINTHS

The first labyrinth, the biggest, is 24 meters wideThe first labyrinth, the biggest, is 24 meters wide

The third labyrinth will be studied in detail The third labyrinth will be studied in detail

THE LABYRINTHS

It presents some particular aspects and entranceIt presents some particular aspects and entrance

THE LABYRINTHS

THE LABYRINTHS

Russian Archaeologists associate them to the Russian Archaeologists associate them to the WSC for many reasons, above them:WSC for many reasons, above them:

1)1)They have been built near the sea shore level They have been built near the sea shore level of 3.000 YBP, when the WSC ended;of 3.000 YBP, when the WSC ended;

2)2)In the circles of the labyrinths some stone In the circles of the labyrinths some stone arrows have been found similar to those used by arrows have been found similar to those used by the WSC;the WSC;

3)3)In the vicinity of the labyrinths many In the vicinity of the labyrinths many archaeological findings have been found, related archaeological findings have been found, related to the WSC settlements;to the WSC settlements;

THE LABYRINTHS

Many interpretations of their function were made Many interpretations of their function were made

THE LABYRINTHS

I associate the labyrinth to the Solovetsky shape I associate the labyrinth to the Solovetsky shape

Let us qualitatively describe the labyrinthsLet us qualitatively describe the labyrinths

THE LABYRINTHS

We can describe a labyrinth with 9 elementsWe can describe a labyrinth with 9 elements

THE LABYRINTHS DESCRIPTION

3) A discontinuity point3) A discontinuity point

2) The entrance shape2) The entrance shape

1) The entrance 1) The entrance orientationorientation

1) THE ENTRANCE ORIENTATION

All the 3 stone labyrinths present the entrance All the 3 stone labyrinths present the entrance orientation as Solovetsky Dolgaya bayorientation as Solovetsky Dolgaya bay

135°

2) THE ENTRANCE SHAPE

The entrance is long, narrow and radial, as the The entrance is long, narrow and radial, as the Dolgaya canal on the islandDolgaya canal on the island

3) THE DISCONTINUITY POINT

The discontinuity point seems to lay somewhereThe discontinuity point seems to lay somewhere

at the end of the Dolgaya bayat the end of the Dolgaya bay

Most important: the position of stonesMost important: the position of stones

THE LABYRINTHS DESCRIPTION

6) Isolated stones6) Isolated stones

4) A high entrance4) A high entrance

5) A flat shape5) A flat shape

4) A HIGH ENTRANCE

A high entrance on both side is confirmed …A high entrance on both side is confirmed …

4) A HIGH ENTRANCE

By satellite image with the presence of 2 peaks By satellite image with the presence of 2 peaks higher than 40m on both side of the entrancehigher than 40m on both side of the entrance

5) A FLAT SHAPE

The flat The flat shape is shape is confirmed confirmed by satellite by satellite imageimage

6) THE STONES OUTSIDE THE LAB

The group of stones outside the labyrinth The group of stones outside the labyrinth

seems to reply the position of Zayatsky islandseems to reply the position of Zayatsky island

Most important: the circular symmetryMost important: the circular symmetry

THE LABYRINTHS DESCRIPTION

9) A higher center 9) A higher center

7) A round shape7) A round shape

8) Concentric8) Concentric

circlescircles

THE CIRCULAR SIMMETRY

These elements are These elements are related each other to related each other to

a single question: a single question:

is there a symmetry is there a symmetry center for the island?center for the island?

7) Concentric circles7) Concentric circles

8) A round shape8) A round shape

9) A higher center9) A higher center

FOR A PERFECT CIRCUMFERENCE

R1

R2

Rn

=

The mean:

Standard deviation:

Coefficient of variation:

FOR MORE THAN ONE CIRCLE

C

R1

R2

The best center is the one with minimum coefficient of variation

for all the different sets: of rays R1, R2, …

The criterion The criterion

used for used for

the study was the study was

the selection of the selection of discontinuity discontinuity

elements: elements: discontinuity discontinuity points from points from

earth to sea earth to sea

in 4 directions in 4 directions

S-W

C

THE CIRCULAR SIMMETRY

N-E

S-E

N-W

A first set A first set

of 18 pointsof 18 points

have beenhave been

selected in the selected in the south-west south-west

side side

of the island of the island S-W

C

THE CIRCULAR SIMMETRY

A second set A second set

of 16 points of 16 points

have been have been selected selected

on the on the

North-EastNorth-East

coastcoast

N-E

C

THE CIRCULAR SIMMETRY

A third set ofA third set of

7 points 7 points

were were

selected, in 2 selected, in 2

zones one zones one

opposite to opposite to

the other the other

(North-West (North-West

and South-East)and South-East)

N-W

S-E

C

THE CIRCULAR SIMMETRY

THE THREE SETS OF DATA

S-W = 18 points

N-E = 16 points

S-E and N-W = 7 points

THE CANDIDATE TO BE A CENTRE

Several points in the middle

of the island were selected in order

to reduce thecoefficient of

variation (σ / µ )of all the

3 data set (SW, NE, NW+SE)

THE REAL CENTER

One point One point reduces the 3reduces the 3

(σ / µ ) values (σ / µ ) values to acceptable to acceptable

values:values:

This has been This has been chosen as the chosen as the

probable center probable center for all the 3 for all the 3

circles circles

THE REAL CENTER

 c RADIUS(µ)

VARIANCE(σ)

COEFFICENT OF 

VARIATION ( σ / µ )

1 4.480 180 4,04%

2 6.714 350 5,22%

3 8.838 423 4,80%

The Solovetsky center belongs to some hillsThe Solovetsky center belongs to some hills

higher than all the islandhigher than all the island

THE REAL CENTER

This group of hills create a round center This group of hills create a round center

in the middle of Solovetsky islandin the middle of Solovetsky island

THE REAL CENTER

This symmetric center is statistically confirmed This symmetric center is statistically confirmed

THE REAL CENTER

7.600 YBP7.600 YBP

THE REAL CENTRE

This center was already present when the first This center was already present when the first human beings arrived on Solovetsky islandhuman beings arrived on Solovetsky island

The central hill, The central hill,

mostly round, mostly round,

had a diameter had a diameter

of 1.500 of 1.500

meters meters

and a height ofand a height of

65 meters65 meters

THE REAL CENTER

There is a There is a

circular symmetry, circular symmetry,

and the orientation and the orientation

of the center of the center

is the same is the same

as the one as the one

of the Dolgaya bay of the Dolgaya bay

and stone labyrinths and stone labyrinths

THE REAL CENTER

The structure of the center is very originalThe structure of the center is very original

and could be not completely naturaland could be not completely natural

THE REAL CENTER

A section of the center reveals an uncommon A section of the center reveals an uncommon sequence of alternated peaks sequence of alternated peaks

THE REAL CENTER

The simulation of the island emerging from The simulation of the island emerging from the sea confirms that:the sea confirms that:

1) An almost round hill was present 7.600 YBP;

2) This round hill has an original shape, maybe not totally natural;

3) It is possible to plan archaeological studies in specific places of the island

CONCLUSION - A

The statistical analysis of discontinuity The statistical analysis of discontinuity points around the island confirms that:points around the island confirms that:

3) There is a center of circular symmetry of the islands, with at least 3 different concentric circles;

4) The center of symmetry lies on the highest and oldest part of the island.

CONCLUSION - B

The comparison between stone labyrinths and The comparison between stone labyrinths and Solovetsky presents many points in common:Solovetsky presents many points in common:

1)1)The entrance orientationThe entrance orientation

2)2)The entrance shapeThe entrance shape

3)3)The discontinuity pointThe discontinuity point

4)4) An external high entranceAn external high entrance

5)5)A flat shape of the structureA flat shape of the structure

6)6)Details around the labyrinthDetails around the labyrinth

7)7)Concentric circlesConcentric circles

8)8)A round external shapeA round external shape

9)9)A center higher than the whole structureA center higher than the whole structure

CONCLUSION - C

Since 3.000 YBP the island shape was Since 3.000 YBP the island shape was not perfectly round … not perfectly round …

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The stone labyrinths could represent the island in The stone labyrinths could represent the island in the past, at least in 2 cases:the past, at least in 2 cases:

1)1)The labyrinth was only a symbolic way to The labyrinth was only a symbolic way to represent the center of the island, which became represent the center of the island, which became more and more difficult to reach;more and more difficult to reach;

2)2)The island was more circular than today, and it The island was more circular than today, and it has been seriously damaged by time and natural has been seriously damaged by time and natural events.events.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

A SCENARIO THAT MUST BE PROVEDA SCENARIO THAT MUST BE PROVED

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

In order to solve the puzzle, I am convincedIn order to solve the puzzle, I am convincedthat it is necessary to explore thethat it is necessary to explore the

center of the island.center of the island.This study wants to encourage and assistThis study wants to encourage and assist

future explorations of the oldest part of future explorations of the oldest part of Solovetsky island.Solovetsky island.

AKNOWLEDGENMENTS

SPECIAL TANKS TO:SPECIAL TANKS TO:

• Alice Bulloni for video and animations;Alice Bulloni for video and animations;

• Daniele Passoni and Lucio Pallotta for Daniele Passoni and Lucio Pallotta for data analysis and satellite 3D images;data analysis and satellite 3D images;

• Felice Amoruso for 3D reconstruction Felice Amoruso for 3D reconstruction of the labyrinth;of the labyrinth;

- UNESCO, 1991, Solovki application form to Unesco WorldUNESCO, 1991, Solovki application form to Unesco WorldHeritage ListHeritage List- Martynov A., Prehistoric Archaeology of the White Sea southern islands, Arkhangelsk, 2010;- Lambeck, K; C. Smither, P. Johnston, Sea level change, Lambeck, K; C. Smither, P. Johnston, Sea level change, glacial rebound and mantle viscosity for northern Europe, glacial rebound and mantle viscosity for northern Europe, Geophysical Journal International 134 (1), 1998Geophysical Journal International 134 (1), 1998- Martynov, A, Martynov, A, Archaeological past of the Solovetsky Archaeological past of the Solovetsky archipelagoarchipelago, in “Natural and cultural heritage of the White , in “Natural and cultural heritage of the White sea islands”, Petrozavodsk, Pakoni, 2002;sea islands”, Petrozavodsk, Pakoni, 2002;-Demidov, I, Evolution of the Kuzova landscape territory Demidov, I, Evolution of the Kuzova landscape territory (White sea) during the late and post glacial periods, in (White sea) during the late and post glacial periods, in “Natural and cultural heritage of the White sea islands”, “Natural and cultural heritage of the White sea islands”, Petrozavodsk, Pakoni, 2002;Petrozavodsk, Pakoni, 2002;- Solovetsky map: Aerogeodesia, Arkhangelsk, 2000;- Nasa Aster GDEM V002;Nasa Aster GDEM V002;

REFERENCES

marcobulloni@yahoo.it marcobulloni@yahoo.it

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