Megaliths of Western Europe

Megaliths of Western Europe

Megaliths of Western Europe

Megaliths of Western Europe

Started spreading across Europe before 7000 years ago

Found in societies lacking an awareness of metals

Usually farming/agricultural societies

A Source of Knowledge about Past Societies

A Source of Knowledge about Past Societies

Level of technical and social sophistication necessary for their construction

Evidence of artisan workers all over megaliths Secondary characteristic of taking possession of

land

Origin of MegalithsOrigin of Megaliths

Possibly the Near East Preceded by the appearance of monumental

brick architecture Egypt? Problem: First pyramids were built in 2700 BC

DefinitionDefinition

Megaliths=large block of stone Mega=large Lithos=stone

MegalithsMegaliths

Many forms Widespread distribution & Range of locations Jean Pierre Mohen- farming societies

Types of MegalithsTypes of Megaliths Menhir/Peulvan – a long, standing stone, anchored in

the earth, used to mark a place as a memorial, sign of respect, or for astronomical observations

Henges - prehistoric oval or circular area,bounded by a mound or ditch, that contains standing stones or wooden pillars

Dolmens - Large horizontal slab of stone supported by two or more vertical slabs, and was used as a tomb/burial chamber

MenhirsMenhirs

2 to 30 meters tall Various stone

materials (as available)

Worldwide, with a high concentration in Europe

Uncertain reasons for erections

King Stone in the Cotswalds of the UK

King Stone in the Cotswalds of the UK

Date: 2500 BC, middle of the Bronze Age

Made of local oolithic limestone

Recent excavations: probably a marker for a burial mound

Menhirs of FranceMenhirs of France

Region of Brittany has highest concentration of menhirs in France

Associated with ritual activitiesEffigies of divine figuresMarkings of burial placesVast calendar and map of the universe

The Grand Menhir Brisee of Locmariaquer

The Grand Menhir Brisee of Locmariaquer

Menhir PreservationMenhir Preservation

Menhirs were reused by later civilizationsLeveled for later constructionResculpted for later forms of artChristianizedIncorporated into agricultural or building uses

(Keppel Henge)

Henges

Facts about HengesFacts about Henges

Over 1,300 have been found in Britain, Ireland, and France

Possible purposes of these henges:Communal ceremoniesCalendrical purposesCreated Authority

Ex. Arbor Low, Bull Ring & Stonehenge

StonehengeStonehenge

100 ft in diameter Started in 3100 BCE Built in three stages

over 25 generations Aliens?

FunctionsFunctions Sun worshipping

Slaughter stoneTrack sun movement

AstronomyWinter solstice and summer solsticeTold when to perform ceremonies and when to change priestsCould predict eclipses

ConstructionConstruction Who?

AtlantisMerlinPhoeniciansAliensDruid Priesthood

Original stones carried over 30km

DolmensDolmens Chamber/Tomb Megalith Mostly found in England,

Wales, Ireland and Scotland

Four major types:Passage gravesCourt tombsPortal tombsWedge tombs

Passage GravesPassage Graves

Chamber tombs with passages Approximately 150 in the northern half of the UK Cruciform chamber lined with upright stones

supporting roofing slabs Ex. Boyne Valley & Newgrange, Ireland

Court TombsCourt Tombs

Courtyard, in a stone cairn, with several chambers on it.

Two types:CreevykeelMid-Gleniron

Probably built in three phases

Portal TombsPortal Tombs

About 200 found in Ireland, Wales & England Characterized by massive form of the megalithic

components of the chamber Long trapezoidal mound facing east Semi circular facade that forms a court and

forms different stages of the monument Ex. Pentre Ifan & Dyffryn Ardudwy

Dyffryn Ardudwy

Wedge TombsWedge Tombs About 400 found in western Ireland Also known as corner-tombs About 20 to 26 feet long and bounded by stone uprights

and covered by several stone slabs Indicates a more intensive occupation of the terrain Usually found on the sides of hills and on low ground,

as opposed to court tombs and passage graves that are on high ground

Megaliths: The EndMegaliths: The End Neolithic people moved from a hunting gathering society

to farming Earliest megaliths were tombs; later they became

monuments for ancestors, whom they perceived as the mediators for the gods and the living

Commanding family would be buried in megalith Megaliths gained importance as societies became more

complex

People Still Enjoy Megaliths Today!People Still Enjoy Megaliths Today!

The Brandeis MegalithThe Brandeis Megalith

Located in Waltham, Massachusetts

Stands between 10 and 15 feet high

Unsure of exactly what its purpose is

Aliens?