menhir

A menhir is a large upright standing stone erected during prehistoric Europe. Most are single monoliths of local rock set vertically in the ground, though some occur in rows or as part of broader megalithic structures. Heights vary from about 1 meter to several meters, and surfaces may be roughly worked or weathered.

The term comes from the Breton language, with menhir meaning a long stone. It entered European languages via French, and is now used worldwide to describe this type of monument. Etymology reflects the stones’ enduring association with the landscapes where they were erected.

Dating and distribution: Menhirs date to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, roughly spanning 4000–1500 BCE depending on region. They are found across western Europe, with dense concentrations in Brittany (France), and notable occurrences in the British Isles, Iberia, and other parts of Europe. The best known clusters include the Carnac alignments in Brittany, where hundreds of stones form long rows and geometric arrangements.

Function and interpretation: The exact purpose of individual menhirs remains uncertain. They are generally viewed as components of ritual landscapes, territorial markers, or commemorative monuments. Some stones stand alone, others form alignments or accompany dolmen tombs. In several regions, researchers have explored possible astronomical alignments with solar or lunar cycles, though interpretations vary locally.

Notable examples: The Carnac stone rows in Brittany constitute one of the world’s largest megalithic complexes. The Grand Menhir of Locmariaquer is another famous solitary stone, historically taller than 20 meters. These monuments illustrate the diversity and scale of menhirs across prehistoric Europe.

Conservation and study: Archaeologists study menhirs through surveying, dating of associated materials, and archaeoastronomical analysis, while many stones have been toppled or repurposed over time. Preservation efforts continue in areas with dense megalithic traditions.