The Argimusco is a high plateau situated just north of Mount Etna in Sicily, between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. The plateau is located between 1,100 and 1,200 meters above sea level, in the territory of Montalbano Elicona, a medieval village awarded the title of “Most beautiful village” in Italy in 2015. If it weren’t for the Aeolian Islands that stand out on the horizon and Etna that dominates the panorama with its profile, you wouldn’t even have the impression of being in Sicily. Instead, here you can find a megalithic site, one of the most precious and least-known corners of Italy.
The megalithic site of Argimusco is a unique and enigmatic archaeological site known for its large arrangement of massive stone blocks and boulders that form various shapes, including anthropomorphic (human-like) figures, animals, and other geometrical forms. Walking through the monumental stones it’s possible to discover the shapes of the Praying woman (or Virgo), The monk, The male face, or the Eagle.
Situated on a plateau that overlooks the surrounding landscape and offers panoramic views of the region, Argimusco has garnered attention due to its resemblance to other megalithic sites around the world, such as Stonehenge in England and the Carnac Stones in France. However, Argimusco’s specific purpose and origin remain subjects of debate and speculation among researchers, historians, and archaeologists. Several theories attempt to explain the significance and origins of this site, whose origin could be dated 11,000 years ago.
Although, in fact, no archaeological excavation has ever been carried out, some finds (like tanks and tombs) found in surrounding areas suggest that the plateau has been anthropized since the Bronze Age. Proof of human presence in that period is also given by the presence in the surrounding area of the so-called tholos (old Greek for “dome”), small and simple circular stone buildings with a diameter of about 3 meters covered by a dome, similar to Eskimo igloos.
Most likely, the primitive men of that era used the place as a sacred area where they could perform rites linked to the divinities of the Earth and the Sky. Subsequently evolved civilizations then chose the site, due to the singularity of its natural landscape and the altitude of its position, as a privileged place for observing the sky.
This is what Andrea Orlando, PhD in nuclear astrophysics and president of the Sicilian Archaeoastronomy Institute, suggests after his archaeoastronomy study of the site. In his article entitled “Argimusco: Cartography, Archeology and Astronomy” published in 2017 in “Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings”, Orlando comes to the conclusion that thanks to the presence of fortuitous astronomical alignments of the rocks, the plateau may have had a calendar function in ancient times, to mark the alternation of the seasons.
Whatever the history of this mysterious place, it is still very little known to the Sicilians themselves. The advice for visiting the megalithic site of Argimusco is to start by visiting the village of Montalbano Elicona and its medieval castle and then, following the signs for the “Bosco di Malabotta”, stop on the plateau and access the area via the path in dirt that starts from a small gate on the road. Especially at sunset, the atmosphere becomes unreal. Then, as the night approaches, the protagonist is in an incredible starry sky.
Below, the current theories on the origins of Argimusco.
Ancient Religious or Ritual Site
One prevailing theory suggests that Argimusco was used for religious or ritualistic purposes by ancient inhabitants. The arrangement of stones, especially those resembling human figures, could have been used in ceremonies or practices related to the worship of deities or ancestral spirits.
This theory draws parallels with other megalithic sites around the world that are believed to have been centers of religious worship, ritualistic practices, and communal gatherings. The presence of anthropomorphic figures, which resemble human forms, is a significant aspect of this theory. Such figures could represent deities, ancestors, or other supernatural beings that were central to the belief system of the ancient inhabitants. The positioning of these figures might have played a role in rituals or ceremonies, perhaps symbolizing a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
The careful arrangement of stones into specific shapes and patterns suggests deliberate planning and intentionality. The choice of certain forms could have been driven by their symbolic meanings within the cultural and religious context of the time. For example, certain geometric shapes might have represented concepts like fertility, life cycles, or cosmological principles.
Astronomical Observatory
The Astronomical Observatory theory proposes that the megalithic site of Argimusco was used as a place for observing and tracking celestial events, such as the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. This theory is grounded in the alignment of certain stone formations with significant astronomical phenomena, similar to how other ancient structures like Stonehenge are believed to have served as observatories for studying the heavens.
Proponents of the Astronomical Observatory theory point out specific alignments of the stone formations at Argimusco with important celestial events, such as solstices, equinoxes, and lunar phases. These alignments could have allowed ancient observers to predict and mark the changing seasons, which were crucial for agricultural and calendrical purposes.
Artistic Expression
Another theory posits that the stone formations at Argimusco were created as a form of artistic expression. The anthropomorphic figures and intricate designs might have been crafted to convey symbolic meanings or stories important to the ancient people who constructed them.
The site could have held cultural or social significance for the ancient inhabitants of the region. It might have been a communal gathering place or a marker for territorial boundaries.
Natural Geological Formation
Some argue that the shapes at Argimusco might be natural formations that people later enhanced or modified, rather than being intentionally created structures. This theory suggests that the site’s resemblance to specific forms could be coincidental, with the human mind perceiving patterns and figures where none were intended (the famous phenomenon known as pareidolia).
Unknown Civilization
If manmade, the only sure thing is that no one knows who could have built this megalithic site. There is speculation that a currently unknown civilization might have been responsible for building Argimusco. The megalithic site seems to date back to the Neolithic, the period of prehistory that goes from 8000 BC. to 3500 BC. If true, this could challenge our understanding of ancient Sicilian history and interactions between different cultures.
Given the lack of written records or direct evidence from the builders themselves, these theories remain speculative and have varying degrees of support among scholars. The mystery of Argimusco continues to intrigue researchers, and ongoing archaeological investigations and studies may eventually shed more light on its true purpose and origin.
