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France: The Center of Megalithic Culture in Europe

Gustavo Cox

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Published in France The Center Of Megalithic Culture : In Europe

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France is a country with a rich and varied history, and its megalithic sites are a testament to its ancient past. Megaliths are large stones that have been shaped and arranged by humans, and they can be found all over the world. However, France is home to some of the most impressive megalithic structures in Europe, dating back to the Neolithic period.

France The Center of Megalithic Culture : In Europe

by Santiago Sevilla

4 out of 5

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The most famous megalithic site in France is the Carnac Stones. Located in Brittany, the Carnac Stones consist of over 3,000 standing stones arranged in rows. The stones vary in size, but some of them are over 10 feet tall. The Carnac Stones are believed to have been built between 4500 and 2500 BC, and they are thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

In addition to the Carnac Stones, there are many other megalithic sites in France. These include the dolmens of Gavrinis and Manio, the menhirs of Saint-Just and Locmariaquer, and the tumulus of Bougon. These sites are all evidence of the rich and complex culture that existed in France during the Neolithic period.

The Carnac Stones

The Carnac Stones are the most famous megalithic site in France. Located in Brittany, the Carnac Stones consist of over 3,000 standing stones arranged in rows. The stones vary in size, but some of them are over 10 feet tall. The Carnac Stones are believed to have been built between 4500 and 2500 BC, and they are thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

There are many theories about the purpose of the Carnac Stones. Some believe that they were used as a temple or a place of worship. Others believe that they were used as a calendar or an astronomical observatory. Still others believe that they were used as a burial ground.

Whatever their purpose, the Carnac Stones are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient peoples who built them. These stones have stood for centuries, and they continue to fascinate and inspire people today.

Other Megalithic Sites in France

The dolmens of Gavrinis and Manio are two of the most well-preserved dolmens in France. Dolmens are large stone structures that consist of a large capstone supported by several smaller stones. The dolmen of Gavrinis is particularly impressive, as it is decorated with intricate carvings. The carvings depict scenes from everyday life, as well as mythological figures.

The menhirs of Saint-Just and Locmariaquer are two of the largest menhirs in France. Menhirs are single standing stones that are often found in isolation. The menhir of Saint-Just is over 20 feet tall, and the menhir of Locmariaquer is over 30 feet tall.

The tumulus of Bougon is a large burial mound that contains the remains of over 500 people. The tumulus is thought to have been built between 4700 and 4000 BC, and it is one of the largest and most impressive Neolithic burial mounds in Europe.

The Legacy of Megalithic Culture in France

The megalithic sites of France are a testament to the rich and complex culture that existed in France during the Neolithic period. These sites continue to fascinate and inspire people today, and they are a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient peoples who built them.

The legacy of megalithic culture in France is still visible today in the many place names that refer to megaliths. For example, the town of Carnac is named after the Carnac Stones, and the town of Dol-de-Bretagne is named after the dolmens that are found in the area.

The megalithic sites of France are a valuable part of the country's heritage, and they are protected by law. These sites are a reminder of the rich and complex history of France, and they continue to fascinate and inspire people today.

France The Center of Megalithic Culture : In Europe

by Santiago Sevilla

4 out of 5