In the Tula region, on the slope of the Krasivaya Mecha river valley (50 kilometers from the city of Efremov), there is a 20-ton megalith, whose age is estimated at millions of years, or rather, more than 70 million years according to researchers!
The modern look of the stone is, unfortunately, what was left of it after the explosion during the war.
Old-timers claim that before it was 2 times larger and much more like a horse's head, from where it got its name.
Opinions about the origin of this megalith are very diverse.
Some scientists believe that it remained here since the ice age, others believe that it is a kind of ancient compass, since the groove in the stone indicates the point of sunrise on the day of the winter solstice.
According to another version, the stone was erected here in honor of the victory of the Russian army over the Mongol-Tatars.
The legend says: “And the Russian regiments drove Mamaevo's army to the very Swords, and cut the infidels without mercy. And in pursuit of that, some of the Horde fell, others drowned in the river. And those who reached the shore froze from fear, turned to stone and remained here forever."
There is an opinion among local residents that sitting on this stone, men increase male strength, and women increase the ability to bear children.
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Once a year, a ceremony was performed near the megalith to prevent the death of livestock.
The stone horse can be seen from the road for several kilometers.
In the chronicle of the 16th century, the Stone Horse on the Beautiful Sword is mentioned as the place where the ships began their journey, so it is quite possible that the huge boulder was a landmark on the ship's routes.
Many scientists are sure that the Ephraim stone served as a kind of observatory or solar calendar. The stones scattered around indicated the stages of agriculture, and the sun's rays, passing through the gap under the Horse-Stone, showed the time of sowing or harvesting.
Currently, the stone is protected as a historical value and a monument of cultural heritage.
Within a radius of 50 meters from it, you cannot walk cattle, carry out any types of economic activities, light fires, throw garbage, modify the monument and its surroundings.
It is true - otherwise how will you see and feel the traces of antiquity?