Megalithic Sites
Megaliths are large stones used in Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Megalithic monuments are found around the world, but especially in western Europe. Varieties of megaliths include menhirs (standing stones), alignments (rows of menhirs), dolmens (standing stones topped with a flat stone), barrows (dolmens covered with earth), and henges or cromlechs (stone circles). Since they are prehistoric, it has been difficult to determine the purpose of these fascinating monuments. However, some were clearly used for burials and others are astronomically aligned. Below is an illustrated index of the 12 Megalithic Sites profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.
Featured Megalithic Sites
Easter Island, ChileThis remote island in the South Pacific is home to the famously intriguing moai statues, which were carved by Polynesian settlers between about 400 and 1500 AD.
Isle of Lewis, Western Isles, ScotlandThis atmospheric site on the Isle of Lewis dates from 2900-2600 BC. It consists of a large stone circle surrounding a burial chamber, with four avenues of stones forming a cross shape.
Wiltshire, EnglandDating from between 3000 and 2000 BC, Stonehenge is a circle of massive megaliths that weigh many tons, fit together perfectly, and are astronomically aligned.
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All Megalithic Sites (by Country) |
