Archeologists discover ancient fortune-telling shrines in Armenia

Shrine
(Image credit: Courtesy Adam Smith, via LiveScience)

Three shrines, each thousands of years old, have been discovered in an Armenian hilltop fortress, according to a new article published in the American Journal of Archaeology.

The researchers involved say local rulers likely used the shrines for divination practices, as a number of artifacts such as clay idols and incense burners were found in each location. The rulers likely burned mind-altering substances and drank wine in order to promote their future-telling capabilities, the archeologists said.

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Sarah Eberspacher

Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.