In Our Time Megaliths
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Mar 30, 2023 Join Vicki Cummings, a Neolithic archaeology expert, Julian Thomas, who specializes in megalithic timelines and contexts, and Susan Greaney, who delves into construction techniques, as they explore the mysterious world of megaliths. They discuss burial practices that link ancient spirituality with community collaboration. The relationship between megaliths and the rise of agriculture reveals insights into social dynamics. Fascinatingly, they debate whether these monuments emerged independently or stemmed from shared origins, unraveling a complex history encapsulated in stone.
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Megalith Definition and Prevalence
- Megaliths, from Greek "mega" (huge) and "lithos" (stone), describe various large stone monuments.
- These structures, primarily prehistoric in Europe, exist globally and sometimes still get built.
Megalith Distribution
- British and Irish megaliths concentrate in western and northern regions due to stone availability.
- Thousands exist, with over 35,000 in Europe alone.
Megalith Chronology
- European megaliths date back to 4700 BC in France, with British ones appearing around 3900 BC.
- Other regions, like the Caucasus and Madagascar, have later or even contemporary megaliths.