STONE BOTHERING

Far from the well-known pyramids of Egypt or the stone circles of Britain lies a mysterious complex of ancient stones in Brazil that very few know about. Hidden in the lush hills of Florianópolis, on Morro da Galheta, this sacred site is home to a series of megalithic structures, including the enigmatic Dolmen da Oração and the powerful Central Menhir. These stone monuments were carefully placed by prehistoric indigenous civilizations—long before European colonization—and they continue to challenge our understanding of time, space, and spirituality. In this post, we will explore: The mysterious origin and structure of the Dolmen da Oração The Central Menhir and its symbolic role Alignment with astronomical events Indigenous myths and spiritual beliefs Why this site may be Brazil’s answer to Stonehenge How to visit and experience it for yourself 1. What Is the Dolmen da Oração? The Dolmen da Oração (translated as  "Dolmen of Prayer" ) is a megalithic altar composed of three la...

Florianópolis, the island capital of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, is celebrated for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and surf culture. But beneath its tourist-friendly surface lies a deeper, older story—one written in stone . Hidden in the woods, scattered across beaches, and embedded in trails are ancient stones carved, polished, and inscribed by the region's early inhabitants . These stones are not only archaeological wonders—they are keys to understanding the island’s ancient past. The Indigenous Peoples of Santa Catarina Before Portuguese colonizers arrived in the 16th century, the island of Florianópolis—then known by its Guarani name, Meiembipe , meaning "mountain along the channel"—was inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that the Sambaqui people , also known as shell mound builders , lived here as far back as 5,000 years ago . These ancient coastal peoples built massive shell mounds (sambaquis), fished the rich waters, and left ...

Peru is a land of rich history, brimming with ancient civilizations that left behind monumental structures like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, and the Nazca Lines. These sites attract millions of visitors from around the globe each year, drawn by the allure of a civilization long gone but whose legacy remains. The dramatic beauty of these ancient ruins is breathtaking, but beneath the surface of these so-called "heavily restored" sites lies a complex and often troubling truth: a dark side to the preservation efforts that many tourists may not see. The Restoration Dilemma: Balancing Preservation and Authenticity In an effort to maintain these sites for future generations, Peru has invested heavily in their restoration. While some of these efforts are necessary to protect fragile structures from natural decay, they often involve significant alterations to the original sites. The aim is to create a vision of these ancient structures that may not entirely reflect their original stat...

Exploring the Ancient Pumapungo Ruins: A Journey into Ecuador’s Archaeological Heritage Nestled on the outskirts of Cuenca, Ecuador, the Pumapungo ruins stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. For centuries, these ruins have been a silent witness to the rise and fall of powerful civilizations. Today, they offer both a glimpse into the past and a glimpse into the advanced engineering, agricultural practices, and spiritual life of the Andean peoples. Let’s dive into the fascinating history and archaeology of Pumapungo, a site that tells stories of both Incan dominance and pre-Incan traditions. The Origins of Pumapungo The name “Pumapungo” translates to “Gate of the Puma” in Quechua, an ancient language spoken by the Inca Empire. While the Incas are most famously associated with the site, Pumapungo’s story stretches back much further in time, reaching into the pre-Incan period, when the region was inhabited by various indigenous cultures. Before the Inca Empire a...

Nestled on the arid plains of Peru's northern coast, just outside the bustling city of Trujillo, lies the enigmatic city of Chan Chan. This sprawling adobe city, once the capital of the powerful Chimu civilization, is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of a people who flourished centuries before the Inca Empire. A Glimpse into the Chimu Past The Chimu, known for their advanced irrigation systems and skilled metalworkers, constructed Chan Chan between the 9th and 15th centuries AD. The city, covering an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, was a marvel of urban planning. Its intricate network of walled compounds, known as ciudadelas , housed the royal family, the nobility, and the administrative elite. Architectural Marvels and Intricate Designs One of the most striking features of Chan Chan is its impressive architecture. The city's walls, adorned with intricate reliefs and geometric patterns, are a testament to the Chimu's artistic prowess. These designs ofte...