Carn-Reservoir Standing Stones
Carn-Reservoir
Early Bronze Age (3300–2100 BCE)·Early Bronze Age·🇯🇵 Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Wikimedia Commons · CC (see file page)
About
About Carn-Reservoir Standing Stones
Carn-Reservoir Standing Stones in Iwate Prefecture, Japan is a Early Bronze Age (3300–2100 BCE) megalithic attributed to Early Bronze Age culture. Systematically investigated through photogrammetry and stratigraphic excavation, it presents a fortified nucleus with workshop zone. Construction employs mudbrick on stone socle and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Early Bronze Age megalithic with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Ritual use and symbolic landscape
- 02Social hierarchy and elite control
Theories
- 01Defensive refuge and tribal capital
- 02Ceremonial centre and pilgrimage focus
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2911 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze Age (3300–2100 BCE)
- Culture
- Early Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Defensive and administrative
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2911 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 2111 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 785 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
2011
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
39.9936° N · 139.8236° E · 1108 m · 4 mapped features
- ShrinecisternAncillary workshop associated with main monument39.9951° N · 139.8242° E
- AltarreservoirHydraulic feature — well39.9907° N · 139.8265° E
- Shrine 3shrineAncillary workshop associated with main monument39.9928° N · 139.8212° E
- Necropolis ExtensionentranceOutlier feature with standing stones39.9909° N · 139.8246° E
Gallery