The Unsolved Mystery of the Dragon Houses: Who Built Them and Why? (Photos)

One of the unsolved mysteries of Ancient Greece is the Houses of the Dragon — megalithic structures of unknown origin. Located in the mountainous regions of Ochi and Stira, these enigmatic buildings, dating back to the pre-classical period of Ancient Greece, continue to puzzle researchers, writes Arkeonews.

The Houses of the Dragon, or "drakospites," derive their name not from mythical creatures, but from a term used by the local population to describe individuals with incredible strength. Stacked stones, often monolithic and rectangular, form sturdy structures resembling pyramids. Despite the lack of foundations, these edifices have withstood the test of time and remain intact to this day.

One of the most unusual aspects of these ancient structures is their placement at high altitudes, often exceeding 1,400 meters. For instance, the House of the Dragon on Mount Ochi offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, suggesting a purpose related to observation or defense.

The mystery is further enhanced by the design of the roof, which features an opening that allows sunlight or moonlight to enter — a characteristic reminiscent of ancient astronomical practices.

English geographer John Hawkins was the first researcher to explore the House of the Dragon on Mount Ochi in the 19th century. He hypothesized that this site served as a temple. Subsequent studies measured the dimensions and orientation of the structures, discovering a possible alignment with the rising of Sirius around 1100 B.C.

This finding supports theories that the houses may have functioned as places of worship or early observatories. Archaeological discoveries, including pottery, animal bones, and inscriptions, also indicate that they were used over several centuries.

Local traditions offer various interpretations of the Houses of the Dragon. Some believe they were farmhouses or military shelters, while others associate their origin with the divine, claiming that ancient Greek gods were their creators. Despite numerous excavations and studies, particularly the work of Professor Nikolaos K. Moutsopoulos in the mid-20th century, many questions remain unanswered. Inscriptions found on fragments of pottery continue to elude translation, adding to the intrigue.

Until fortunate individuals uncover definitive answers, these megalithic wonders will remain a captivating mystery within the historical landscape of Greece. Whether they served as homes, temples, or observatories, the Houses of the Dragon in Euboea compel us to contemplate the possibilities and beliefs of their creators.

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