The Dolmens - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Dolmens, these enigmatic stone sentinels of the Neolithic world, stand as silent witnesses to a distant past, structures of monumental scale and profound mystery. Often called portal tombs, cromlechs, or anta temples—though these terms carry their own nuances—dolmens are megalithic tombs defined by a large flat stone (the table or capstone) resting on several upright stones (orthostats). But are they merely tombs? Their simple definition belies a complex story debated by archaeologists and historians for centuries.
The earliest written references to these structures are scattered fragments, often obscured by folklore. While precise dating remains a challenge, mentions in medieval chronicles and early antiquarian letters from the 17th and 18th centuries hint at recognition of their artificial origin, although their purpose and builders remained shrouded in speculation. These early observations occurred against a backdrop of nascent scientific inquiry, where myth and nascent archaeology intertwined, creating a fertile ground for theories both fanciful and insightful.
Over time, the interpretation of dolmens shifted from dwellings of giants or druidic altars to, more scientifically, burial chambers of Neolithic peoples. Influential works by archaeologists in the 19th and 20th centuries cemented this functional understanding; yet the debate continues. The sheer effort required to construct them, the often-complex orientations aligned with celestial events, and the presence of grave goods alongside human remains suggest that these monuments were far more than simple tombs. They may have been centers of ritual, symbols of tribal power, or even territorial markers. Consider, for example, the persistent folk tales that ascribe supernatural properties to these stones, tales woven into the landscape long before formal archaeology began.
The legacy of dolmens extends beyond archaeological sites. They continue to inspire artists, writers, and spiritual seekers, embodying a connection to the land and to ancestral spirits. In contemporary society, dolmens are sometimes reinterpreted as symbols of resilience, or as monuments to those who lived in harmony with nature. Ultimately, these stone monuments invite us to contemplate not only the lives of those who built them, but also the enduring power of the past to shape our present. What secrets remain within the stones, waiting to be unearthed by future generations?