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The Brain Chamber » Megalithic Structures

Megalithic Structures

stonehenge

Megalithic structures, monumental in both size and historical significance, have captivated the human imagination for millennia. These ancient constructions, primarily built during the Neolithic to the early Bronze Age, around 4000 BC to 2500 BC, are found across various parts of the world, from the windswept plains of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Asia. The term “megalith” itself is derived from the Ancient Greek words ‘megas’, meaning great, and ‘lithos’, meaning stone, aptly describing the sheer size and weight of these structures.  

The Purpose Behind Erecting Megaliths

The functions of megalithic structures have been a subject of extensive study and debate among historians and archaeologists. While the exact purposes vary across different cultures and geographical locations, several common uses have been identified. Many megaliths are believed to have served as burial sites, with dolmens and passage graves providing a final resting place for the deceased. This funerary aspect suggests a reverence for the dead and possibly beliefs in an afterlife. In addition to their role as burial sites, some megalithic structures are thought to have had astronomical significance. The precise alignment of stones with celestial events, such as the solstices and equinoxes, points to an advanced understanding of the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Stonehenge, perhaps the most famous megalithic structure, exemplifies this astronomical alignment, with its stones positioned to mark the summer and winter solstices. avebury ring

Architectural Techniques and Construction Challenges

The construction of megalithic structures is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient societies. The transportation and erection of massive stones, some weighing several tons, would have required not only physical strength but also sophisticated engineering techniques. Theories on how these ancient peoples accomplished such feats include the use of wooden rollers, sledges, and lever systems. The construction of megaliths likely also demanded a high degree of social organization and communal effort, indicating a well-structured society with the capability to mobilize large groups for collective projects.

Megaliths as Symbols of Collective Identity

Beyond their functional and astronomical significance, megalithic structures may have served as powerful symbols of collective identity and social cohesion. The monumental effort required to construct these megaliths suggests that they were of great importance to the communities that built them. They could have acted as landmarks, territorial markers, or centers for social and religious gatherings, playing a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of the society.

Megalithic Sites around the world

Nuraghe Is Paras
The Sakafuneishi Stone
Loughcrew Cairns
Stone circles of South Africa
Deer stones
Ġgantija Temples
Ħaġar Qim (Malta)
Stonehenge
Bryn Celli Ddu
Dwarfie Stane
Unfinished Obelisk, Asuan
Carrowmore
Midhowe Broch
Avebury ring
Cave di Cusa
Labbacallee Wedge Tomb
Tiya Archaeological Site
Cairn of Barnenez
Rujm el-Hiri
Carnac Stones
The Nabta Playa Stone Circle
Avebury Henge
Kokino Observatory
The Ring of Brodgar
West Kennet Long Barrow
Callanish Stones
Carahunge
Monte d’Accoddi
Pyramids around the World
Baalbek Megaliths
Dolmen de Soto
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Tondidarou megaliths
Nuraghe Su Mulinu
Capel Garmon Burial Chamber
Tet el Bad Stone Coffin
The Stone Circles of Senegambia
Parque Arqueológico do Solstício
Bada Valley Megaliths
Göbekli Tepe
Karahan Tepe
Mnajdra Temples
The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni
Tarxien Temples
Almendres Cromlech
Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples
Tas-Silġ
Skorba Temples
Kordin Temples
Tal-Qadi Temple
Buġibba Temple
Borġ in-Nadur
Debdieba
Xrobb l-Għaġin Temple
Santa Verna
The Megalithic Temples of Malta
Quiriguá
Pokekea Megalithic Site
Indonesian Megaliths
Columcille Megalith Park
Montana Megaliths
Megalith vs Monolith
The Yakushima Megalith
Kuboizumi Maruyama
Sculpture of Emperors Yan and Huang
Lu Brandali
The Merry Maidens
Nuraghe La Prisgiona
Doll Tor
America’s Stonehenge
Bamahenge
Kokino Megalithic Observatory
The Bull Ring Henge
Arbor Low Henge and Stone Circle
Yangshan Quarry in China
Jingling Palace Steles
Thornborough Henges
Dolmen of Menga
Tholos de El Romeral
Torralba d’en Salort
Batu kenongs
Locmariaquer megaliths
Dolmen Sa Covaccada
Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar
Cromlech Mzoura and stone circle
The Dolmens of Eles
Senegambian stone circles 
Necropolis of Soderstorf
Saint-Michel tumulus
Stones of Stenness
La Roche-aux-Fées
Su Nuraxi (Barumini)
Filitosa
Protonuraghe Fronte ‘e Mola
Casteddu de Fanaris
Giants’ Grave of Su Mont’e s’Abe
Motorra Dolmen
Casteddu di Tappa
Su Romanzesu
Nuraghe Serbissi
Nuraghe Santu Sciori
Nuraghe Fenu
Nuraghe Antigori
Beltany Stone Circle
Beaghmore Stone Circles
Dolmen of Cunha Baixa
Ballochroy
Ale’s Stones
Woodhenge
Stanton Drew Stone Circles
Seahenge
Wurdi Youang
The Pömmelte Circle Shrine
Stone Circles of Junapani
Drombeg Stone Circle
Drumtroddan Standing Stones
Boscawen-un Stone Circle
Xagħra Stone Circle
Cromlech de Mzoura
Nuraghe Genna Maria
Nuraghe Tanca Manna
Nuraghe Mannu
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
Orwell Standing Stones
The Rollright Stones
Nuraghe Losa Abbasanta
Nuraghe Palmavera
Nuraghe Arrubiu
Nuraghe Santu Antine
Nuraghe Seruci
Nuraghe Aiga
Twelve Apostles Stone Circle
Tomnaverie Stone Circle
Cullerlie Stone Circle
East Aquhorthies Stone Circle
Loanhead Stone Circle
Moss Farm Road Stone Circle
Nuraghe S’Ortali ‘e Su Monti
Nuraghe Sa Domu ‘e S’Orcu
Nuraghe Orolio
Nuraghe Majori
Nuraghe Adoni
Nuraghe La Prisciona
Torhouse Stone Circle
Nuraghe S’Urachi
Nuraghe Nolza
Nuraghe Ardasai
Nuraghe Albucciu
Bleberan Site
Nuraghe Cuccurada
Nuraghe Diana
Nuraghe Oes
Nuraghe Iloi
Cloghanmore Megalithic Tomb
Cloghanmore Megalithic Tomb

Cloghanmore Megalithic Tomb

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The Cloghanmore Megalithic Tomb is a prehistoric burial site located in County Louth, Ireland. This monument dates back to the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. It is a passage tomb, a type of megalithic structure common in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Europe during the Neolithic era.Structure and DesignThe Cloghanmore tomb is composed of large…

Nuraghe Iloi

Nuraghe Iloi

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The Nuraghe Iloi is an archaeological structure located in Sedilo, Sardinia, Italy. Built during the Bronze Age, Nuraghe Iloi is one of the many “nuraghi” structures that define the prehistoric landscape of Sardinia. These impressive stone structures were erected by the Nuragic civilization, which flourished on the island from approximately 1800 BC to 500 BC….

Nuraghe Diana

Nuraghe Diana

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Nuraghe Diana is an ancient megalithic structure located in the region of Sardinia, Italy. It represents one of the most significant examples of the Nuragic civilization, which thrived on the island from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, roughly between 1800 BC and 238 AD.Historical ContextThe Nuragic civilization developed a unique architectural style characterized…

Nuraghe Oes

Nuraghe Oes

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Nuraghe Oes is a significant archaeological site located in Sardinia, Italy. It belongs to the Nuragic civilization, which flourished from approximately 1800 BC to 238 BC. This ancient civilization is renowned for its megalithic stone structures called nuraghi. These structures served various purposes, including defense, residence, and ceremonial functions.Historical ContextThe Nuragic civilization emerged during the…

Nuraghe Cuccurada

Nuraghe Cuccurada

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Nuraghe Cuccurada is a significant archaeological site located in Sardinia, Italy. This structure represents the Nuragic civilization, which thrived from the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age, approximately from 1800 BC to 500 BC. The Nuragic people built thousands of these stone structures across the island, making them an essential part of Sardinia’s heritage.Architectural…

Bleberan Site 1

Bleberan Site

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Exploring the Bleberan Megalithic Site: A Window into Ancient Javanese CultureThe Bleberan Site in Playen, Gunungkidul, offers a unique look at Indonesia’s ancient megalithic culture. Located in Bleberan Hamlet, this archaeological site spans over 1,146 square meters. It’s a treasure trove of megalithic artifacts, many of which belong to an ancient community known as the…

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