Dolmen

Dolmen is a type of megalithic tomb found in various parts of the world, dating from the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age. A dolmen typically comprises several large upright stones (orthostats) that support one or more horizontal capstones, forming a chamber. Many dolmens were originally covered by earth or smaller stones to create a burial mound, though the covering has often disappeared over time.

Construction and layout vary by region. The most common form is a table-like chamber created by a single, flat capstone resting on tall uprights. In other variants, a long passage leads to a burial chamber, a design sometimes called a portal or corridor dolmen. Dolmens are generally tombs for the dead, though the remains of multiple individuals or the placement of grave goods have been reported in some sites.

Dolmens are widely distributed across Europe, the Caucasus, parts of North Africa, and East Asia, with numerous examples in Brittany, Ireland, Britain, Scandinavia, Iberia, and the Balkans. They are mainly dated to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, though precise dates vary by region.

Archaeologists study dolmens to understand prehistoric burial practices, social organization, and ritual behavior. Many sites show evidence of deliberate alignment with celestial events or terrain features. Preservation varies; some are well-preserved, others are damaged, or rebuilt, and many are protected as cultural heritage sites.

Notable dolmens include Poulnabrone in Ireland and the Dolmen of Menga in Spain. Similar monuments occur across Europe and in other regions, including Korea, the Caucasus, and North Africa, illustrating the widespread importance of this megalithic tradition.