Over 30 stone mazes built before the Bronze Age. Their purpose remains unknown. Theories include fish traps, ritual walking paths, or maps of the underworld. The Arctic stones hold 4,000-year-old riddles.
Trasprd, CC BY-SA 4.0
Labyrinths of Big Zayatsky Island
On the Solovetsky Archipelago in Russia's White Sea, just 165 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, lies a collection of ancient stone structures that have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. The islands contain 35 stone labyrinths, known in local dialect as "vavilons" or "Babylons". The most significant concentration is on Bolshoi Zayatsky Island, where 13 or 14 of these mazes are clustered within a small area of just 0.4 square kilometers.
These structures are made from local boulders, typically 30-40 cm in diameter, laid out on the ground to form spiral patterns. The diameters of the labyrinths vary, with the smallest measuring about 6 meters and the largest reaching 25.4 meters across. Many feature a double-spiral design, described as resembling two serpents with their heads meeting in the center. Each labyrinth has a single entrance that also is its exit, with most entrances facing south. In addition to the labyrinths, the island has over 850 heaps of boulders and other stone arrangements, including a radial stone symbol possibly representing the sun. Dating suggests the labyrinths were constructed around the 1st or 2nd millennium BCE.
A Riddle of Stone
The function of the Solovetsky labyrinths remains unsolved. One prominent theory, proposed by archaeologist Nina Gurina in the 1970s, suggests they were sophisticated fish traps. This hypothesis is based on their proximity to the sea and the fact that sea levels were significantly higher 5,000 years ago, potentially submerging the structures during high tide to trap fish. Many labyrinths are located above the historical high-tide line, which casts doubt on this practical application.
Another set of theories centers on ritualistic or spiritual purposes. The labyrinths may have were symbolic boundaries between the world of the living and the underworld. Walking the winding paths could have been part of a ritual to aid the souls of the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. This idea is supported by the presence of numerous ancient burial mounds and bone fragments found in stone heaps near the labyrinths. Researchers also propose they were used by shamans to enter different states of consciousness or as traps for malevolent spirits. Other less common theories suggest the patterns reflect the orbits of the sun and moon, functioning as a type of calendar, but the varied orientation of the entrances makes this unlikely.
💡Fun Facts
The local name for the labyrinths is "vavilons," which translates to "Babylons."
Besides the labyrinths, Bolshoi Zayatsky Island contains more than 850 artificial boulder heaps.
Some double-spiral labyrinths have been likened to two snakes meeting head-to-head in the center.
The islands host Russia's first stone harbor, built in the 16th century.
The islands are part of the Solovetsky Museum-Reserve. Access to the outer islands like Bolshoi Zayatsky is typically by guided boat tour during the summer months (June-August). It is best to check the official museum website for current schedules.
Admission
Access to the main island is free, but guided excursions to the labyrinths on Bolshoi Zayatsky Island require a ticket.
Accessibility
The terrain on Bolshoi Zayatsky Island is uneven, rocky, and unpaved, requiring moderate walking ability. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
