Echoes of ancients: A comparative analysis between Neolithic megalithic monuments of Atlantic Europe

Generally, many studies have been conducted on megalithic monuments worldwide, and more specifically in certain regions. In Atlantic Europe, there has been much research done on Neolithic megaliths; however, much of this has not included cross-study analyses, especially relating to certain types including hunebedden, allée couvertes, and portal tombs. They mainly focus on the immediate region certain tombs dominate. This thesis intends to broaden this scope by investigating both specific and broader similarities and differences between three specific megalith types: hunebedden, allée couvertes, and portal tombs. This is investigated through a literature study review, which includes three case studies: D26-Drouwenerveld (Dutch hunebed), Men-ar-Rompet (French allée couvertes), and Killaclohane I and II (Irish portal tombs). All three monument types have many similarities and differences. Primarily, they are all considered Neolithic funerary monuments, following similar basic...Show moreGenerally, many studies have been conducted on megalithic monuments worldwide, and more specifically in certain regions. In Atlantic Europe, there has been much research done on Neolithic megaliths; however, much of this has not included cross-study analyses, especially relating to certain types including hunebedden, allée couvertes, and portal tombs. They mainly focus on the immediate region certain tombs dominate. This thesis intends to broaden this scope by investigating both specific and broader similarities and differences between three specific megalith types: hunebedden, allée couvertes, and portal tombs. This is investigated through a literature study review, which includes three case studies: D26-Drouwenerveld (Dutch hunebed), Men-ar-Rompet (French allée couvertes), and Killaclohane I and II (Irish portal tombs). All three monument types have many similarities and differences. Primarily, they are all considered Neolithic funerary monuments, following similar basic constructions, albeit with local variations. Stone types used offer information regarding construction and intentionality, depending on where those stones originated. This adds to the symbolic landscape regardless it’s symbolism before construction. The tombs orientation provides information about construction and ritualistic beliefs considered during construction. Additionally, there is a general lack of settlement around areas with many monuments, although that is likely interpreted as a lack of evidence. Artefacts associated with the specific monuments often indicate the cultures associated with them, offering insights into the tombs, their uses, and other factors including economy, and re-uses of the tombs. Developments often differ throughout Atlantic Europe as seen in Ireland’s island context, versus France or the Netherlands continental context. While Ireland continues to see continental influences in passage tombs, there are also newer forms of tombs, for example, portal tombs (also found in Cornwall and Wales), which have few comparable examples on the continent. Whereas France and the Netherlands share similar developmental trajectories (variations of passage tombs). While this thesis offers insights into these developments, more research could offer further understanding of them in a larger scale, including greater periods of reuse and what that may imply.Show less

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Echoes of ancients: A comparative analysis between Neolithic megalithic monuments of Atlantic Europe