In the last section of the Stone Age (Neolithic), around 4000 BC, it appeared in the south of Portugal, as well as in other points of the Atlantic Europe, a civilization known as megalithic builders. These initial settlers spreaded throughout Western Europe, and lasted until the beginning of the use of metal in the Bronze Age, around the year 1500 BC.
As part of their culture, they created massive constructions, using enormous stone blocks hardly worked. In this way the word megalíthic comes from the union of the words megas (giant) and lithos (stone).
Nowadays, we know the following types of construction:
- Menhir: Great standing stone that marks a symbolic and possibly sacred place.
- Alignment: Set of menhirs arranged in a row.
- Crómlech: Set of menhirs placed in a circle. It is assumed that the alignment and the cromlech were outdoor temples, with possible astronomical references.
- Milladory: Stacking of stones and blocks of different size that marks a sacred place.
- Dolmen: It is the most complex monument. It is a place to bury the dead. It consisted of a corridor or entrance corridor and a burial chamber, both built with large stone slabs, all covered by a mound of earth and rubble called a tumulus. The dolmen is like a small artificial mountain, with a cave inside, also artificial. All the deceased were deposited in the same funeral chamber, since it was a place of collective burial; Funerary offerings (weapons, food, jewelry …) were deposited with the deceased.
The following diagram shows the process of creating a dolmen.
Perhaps it is the Stonehenge Crómlech one of its most known places. It is considered that 30 million work hours were invested for its construction, which gives us an idea of both the level of difficulty and commitment of the local tribes.
At present, there are exoteric currents that relate these constructions with powerful energetic points with influence on man. There are other currents that link them to astronomical knowledge. In the specific case of Stonehenge, some consider that it could be an astral observatory and that its orientation is in accordance with the celestial cycles.
In this sense, the only thing that has been proven is that these inhabitants had knowledge of astronomical cycles linked to planting and harvesting, while the rest lacks of a base and receives the treatment of pseudoscience.
All these megalithic monuments are scattered throughout Western Europe. The most important focuses are located in the French Brittany, south of England (with the charismatic Stonehenge) and Ireland, as well as in the south of Spain and Portugal.
These ancient inhabitants also founded in the region of La Cerdanya, a place to live and build, having left us remains that can be enjoyed after simple excursions, and once there imagine …
Brangoli’s dolmen.
The access is carried out from the town of Enveig, taking the road that ascends towards the Chateau de Brangoly. The dolmen is just 50 meters from the small parking point.
Orén’s dolmen
The access is carried out from the town of Prullans. Once crossed the town we will take a track that ascends towards the right with destination to Orén. Cars take care !!!.
You must reach the farmhouse from where we will start a trail of about 30 minutes to ascend the nearby hill. The dolmen is between trees and if we leave the road, it may not be visible to us.
Pascarets’s dolmen.
Access is carried out from the town of Eyna. In the same town we will take a path that will take us to the dolmen on a comfortable excursion of about 25 minutes.
Eyna’s Menhir.
Access is carried out from the town of Eyna. In this case from the road that leads to the town. We can leave the car parked in a curve, and from there we will arrive after walking between 5 and 10 minutes.
La Paborda’s dolmen.
The access is carried out from the town of La Molina. We can leave the car in the village, and from there, we will reach the dolmen after a march of just 10 minutes.
Perhaps these constructions are not very important compare with the great European enclaves, but we should not deny the merit they have, and enjoying them as part of our heritage.
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