Called a cross between Stonehenge and the Rosetta Stone, no one knows the exact purpose of the granite monument. Here are some interesting facts that showcase their strangeness!
. Multi-lingual Guidelines
A set of 10 guidelines are inscribed on the structure in eight languages, and a shorter message is inscribed at the top of the structure in four ancient language scripts: Babylonian, Classical Greek, Sanskrit, and Egyptian hieroglyphs. These guidelines are meant to be a guidestone to an “Age of Reason.”
. Aligned With The Stars and Earth
The monument stands at the highest point in Elberton. The capstone on top is astronomically aligned with the north star, and there is an additional stone to the west of the structure. On it is inscribed notes and a history of the Guidestones.
. A Sundial and Clock
The guidestones also serve as an astronomical calendar, and every day at noon the sun shines through a 7/8-inch hole in the center stone and illuminates the day’s date on an engraving.
. The World’s Finest Granite
Robert C. Christian, not his real name, the man who commissioned the guidestones in 1979, came to Elbert County to secure the granite slabs because he believed the quarries here produced the finest stone on the planet. It would be the largest stones quarried in the county. Four of them stand at 16 feet tall and weigh over 20 tons each. The capstone weighs 25,000 pounds.
. Instructions
It has been said that the Guidestones are instructions for basic concepts required to rebuild civilization following a nuclear Doomsday. Others believe it is an occult structure that could be used for pagan rituals. Maybe both.
. Not-So-Secure Cameras
The land on which the guidestones sit is owned by the county. In 2014 there was a bout of vandalism on the stones which led to the placement of two wireless cameras. Reportedly, the cameras were never powered, though.
. Message From The Movies
In 2015 a documentary was released that explains the connection to the Rosicrucians, the Freemasonry, and United Nations!
. Math Facts
While most believe these are instructions for what to do after an apocalypse, some are fearful that the first rule is a call for genocide. If humanity were to be reduced to only 500 million, it would be destroying over 80% of the world population!
The inscription reads:
. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
. Guide reproduction wisely — improving fitness and diversity.
. Unite humanity with one new language.
. Rule passion — faith — tradition — and all things with tempered reason.
. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
. Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world order court.
. Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
. Balance personal rights with social duties.
. Prize truth — beauty — love — seeking harmony with the infinite.
. Be not a cancer on the earth — Leave room for nature.