Galgal

/ɡælˈɡæl/ noun

Definition

A type of Hebrew stone monument or cairn, typically a pile of stones used as a memorial or boundary marker in ancient times.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'gilgal' meaning 'circle' or 'wheel,' referring to the circular or wheel-like arrangement of stones. The term appears in biblical contexts and relates to the Proto-Semitic root for circular formations.

Kelly Says

The most famous Galgal is Gilgal in ancient Palestine, where Joshua supposedly set up 12 stones as a memorial—it's basically the ancient Near Eastern version of a cairn trail marker, and archaeologists still debate which ruins match the biblical descriptions.

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