This extended cluster of burials (plate VIIId) surrounds an elevated basin, just 100m east of Ts BC 5, 0.61km southeast (bearing 150°) of Tsaghkahovit Fortress (map quad B4o).
This cluster of burials is set in an elevated basin surrounded by volcanic ridges. The visible burials encircle the basin near the base of the ridge slopes, but were not found closer to the center of the basin. This may be a result of formation processes. There is some evidence that the basin was tilled in the not too distant past.
Ts BC 7 is a large and densely packed cromlech cluster. 42 standard cromlechs are clearly visible as are 6 mounded cromlechs and a possible kurgan; however, large bedrock outcrops and numerous loose cobbles make an exact count difficult. The best preserved examples are situated in the southeast section of the cluster. The cromlechs extend over an area of 92m x 40m. Several cromlechs have been visibly disturbed as several capstones have been displaced, exposing the interior stone-lined chambers. Most of the cromlechs are small--only 4 to 6m in diameter. But it is interesting to note that the size of the cromlechs increases slightly moving up-slope. Similarly, more mounded cromlechs are visible on the upper limits of the cluster rather than the lower reaches. One tomb (feature 3) has been looted.
Despite the relatively recent disturbance of the burials, no surface materials were recovered.
Feature 1: is a small mounded cromlech, 6.5m in diameter. The burial is marked by a slight rise, no more than 0.3m above the level of the surrounding basin. The mound is constructed of small basalt and tuff cobbles while the encircling ring is built of larger basalt blocks.
Feature 2 (plate XIIa): is a large, somewhat sprawling standard cromlech. It appears to be approximately 10.2m in diameter, but a number of stones appear to be out of place. It is constructed of medium and large unworked basalt blocks. The outer ring encircles an interior space that shows evidence of 2-4 large capstones under the surface.
Feature 3 (plate XIIIb): is a looted stepped cromlech. The outer ring is 7.6m in diameter. One of two very large capstones has been removed exposing a stone-lined chamber. No materials were found on the surface suggesting that any grave contents were removed intact.
None.
No Entities