The prehistoric monuments in the ancient highlands of Armenia, carved to resemble fish, cow hide, or a mix between the two, have long baffled scientists.

However, in a new study, led by Vahe Gurzadyan and Arsen Bobokhyan of Yerevan State University and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography and published by npj Heritage Science, researchers found that a cult likely influenced the creation of the dragon stones, also known as vishap stele.

The authors said: "The study of vishap stele in Armenia, based on their dimensions and altitudinal distribution, provides compelling evidence for their deliberate placement and labour-intensive construction."