Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Megalith monuments'

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Glasgow, 1996.
BLL : DX192053. Ph.D. thesis submitted to the Faculty of Art, Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow, 1996. Includes bibliographical references. Print copy also available.

Megalithic tombs that originally date back to the early to mid-neolithic are the oldest preserved monument that can be found in Scandinavia. The act of raising big stone structures for the dead shows that the monuments where build to last through time. Prehistoric people from different time periods have reused these monuments on different locations all over Europe. This paper focuses on the monuments in Sweden and it shows that the reuse of megalithic monuments appears in all regions where these monuments can be found. The different reasons to why people wanted to reuse these monuments are also discussed. The paper proposes that the reasons are religious and political. Political the monuments can give inheritance rights which granted land rights among other things.

Le mégalithisme est l'expression architecturale monumentale d'un ensemble de sociétés qui ont édifiées des structures funéraires et des pierres dressées. La genèse du mégalithisme, phénomène humain de la fin de la préhistoire, puise ses origines dans de multiples conjugaisons des différents courants de la néolithisation aux traditions variées, aux influences géographiques parfois lointaines, aux époques différentes. La combinaison de nombreux éléments sociaux de ces sociétés agro-pastorales a généré des générations d’architectes bâtisseurs et contribué à mettre en œuvre une diversité architecturale La volonté de mise œuvre des maisons des morts au même niveau que les maisons des vivants semble répondre à des critères sociaux et culturels. Une perception visuelle actualisée des mégalithismes, adaptée aux récentes thématiques développées amène un fil conducteur original d’étude de plusieurs mondes qui se sont combinés. L’état des connaissances depuis le milieu du XXème siècle a permis une appréhension différente des mégalithismes : - dans les années 1980, une connaissance plus complète des masses tumulaires et leurs liens étroits avec les chambres sépulcrales (Joussaume, 1997, 1999, 2003 ; Joussaume et al. 2006). - dans les années 2000 une prise en compte de l’histoire des monuments (Joussaume et al. 2006 ; Laporte, 2010 ; Laporte et al. 2004, 2011). - de nos jours, une appréhension différente des articulations entre les pierres dressées, les tumulus et les chambres sépulcrales (Laporte, 2015 ; Laporte et al. 2011). Le processus de cette monumentalisation architecturale a souvent fait l’objet d’études distinctes, les espaces sépulcraux et les pierres dressées servant de bases à deux axes de recherches séparées. Seule l’étude des stèles en remploi avait fait l’objet d’une attention particulière (L’Helgouac’h, 1983 ; Cassen, 2009b) et d’un rapprochement des deux dispositifs. Ce n’est que récemment que la complémentarité entre les espaces sépulcraux et les pierres dressées a réellement été proposée (Laporte, 2015b). Disposant d’un important corpus actualisé des mégalithes du département du Morbihan, il a donc été proposé de développer dans cette thèse cette notion de complémentarité entre les différents dispositifs qui constituent les mégalithismes. Les hypothèses formulées sont de démontrer que les processus de monumentalisation sont issus d’un croisement architectural entre les pierres dressées, les espaces sépulcraux et les masses tumulaires. Nous tenterons également de montrer les liens étroits qui semblent se dessiner entre trois mondes très différents mais intimement liés (le monde des vivants, le monde des morts et le monde naturel)
Megalithism is the monumental architectural expression of a group of societies that have built funerary structures and erected stones. The genesis of megalithism, the human phenomenon of the end of prehistory, draws its origins from multiple conjugations of the different currents of neolithization with varied traditions, geographical influences sometimes distant, at different times. The combination of many social elements of these agro-pastoral societies has generated generations of architects and contributed to the implementation of architectural diversity The desire to put the houses of the dead to the same level as the houses of the living seems to meet social and cultural criteria. An updated visual perception of megalithisms, adapted to the recent themes developed, brings an original thread of study of several worlds that have combined. The state of knowledge since the middle of the 20th century allowed a different apprehension of megalithisms: - in the 1980s, a more complete knowledge of the tumular masses and their close links with the sepulchral chambers (Joussaume, 1997, 1999, 2003, Joussaume et al., 2006). - in the 2000s, taking into account the history of monuments (Joussaume et al., 2006, Laporte, 2010, Laporte et al., 2004, 2011). - today, a different apprehension of the articulations between the erected stones, the tumuli and the sepulchral chambers (Laporte, 2015, Laporte et al., 2011). The process of this architectural monumentalization has often been the subject of separate studies, sepulchral spaces and erected stones serving as bases for two separate lines of research. Only the study of stelae in reuse had been the object of particular attention (L'Helgouac'h, 1983, Cassen, 2009b) and a comparison of the two devices. It is only recently that the complementarity between sepulchral spaces and erected stones has actually been proposed (Laporte, 2015b). It has therefore been proposed to develop in this thesis the notion of complementarity between the different mechanisms that constitute megalithisms. The hypotheses formulated are to demonstrate that the processes of monumentalisation are the result of an architectural crossing between the erected stones, the sepulchral spaces and the tumular masses. We will also try to show the close ties that seem to be taking shape between three very different but intimately linked worlds (the world of the living, the world of the dead and the natural world)

Burial is a highly symbolic activity through which concepts of the world are reflected in the representation and treatment of human remains. While mortuary studies in archaeology and anthropology have had a long history, our understanding of Neolithic societies through mortuary analyses is lacking. This research is a regional comparison of the taphonomy of three megalithic monuments in the Burren, County Clare, Ireland. Through an integration of taphonomy, bioarchaeology, and social archaeological theory, the burial practices of earlier Neolithic societies in Ireland were assessed to understand how societies used burial in socially significant ways. These methods further our understandings of these societies by revealing who, how many, and what types of people were buried here, as well as determine the history of the bones themselves. Finally, what types of burial rites took place and the treatment/manipulation of the dead is also understood through such integration. A comparison of burial practices also lessens the gap in our knowledge of the nature of social interactions and relationships on the Burren. The Parknabinnia chambered tomb, Poulnabrone portal tomb, and Poulawack Linkardstown-type cairn are located within 3 kilometres of each other, and date to contemporary periods. The osteology and bioarchaeology reveal very similar people were buried in these monuments. Yet, there are three morphologically different monuments, set into different landscapes. The taphonomic evidence further shows some differences in burial practices were taking place at these sites. However, it is important that we do not read differences in burial practices or typology to mean different cultures or people, as this research presents a very clear case for the availability of a variety of practices for even a single Neolithic society. A study of burial practices then can further inform about meaning and cultural practice during the Neolithic.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Glasgow, 2003.
Accompanied by CD-ROM. Ph. D. thesis submitted to the Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow, 2003. Includes bibliographical references. Print version also available.

La région de Huelva se démarque par la grande variabilité architecturale et par la singularité des monuments mégalithiques. L’étude de la région permet d'établir une séquence architecturale et une temporalité du Néolithique Récent jusqu’à l'Ancien Âge de Bronze. Pour cela, la recherche se concentre sur l'étude de trois domaines de monuments: l'architecture, la construction et les usages (funéraires, rituels et territoriaux). L'identification et la caractérisation des projets architecturaux des sites analysés (Los Llanetes et El Seminario) a été réalisée à travers une méthodologie orientée vers la connaissance des chantiers de construction, des architectures et des diachronies. La séquence architecturale de l'Andalousie occidentale comprend une temporalité du début du IVème au début du IIème millénaire av. n.è. Au cours de cette chronologie, plusieurs modèles de monuments et de rituels funéraires ont été érigés avec une variété de techniques constructives, représentant l'existence de styles régionaux ou de spécialisations locales selon les différents groupes sociaux. A titre de synthèse, la séquence régionale met en évidence le processus suivant : La construction des premiers dolmens au début du IVème millénaire cal. av. n.è, en témoignent les monuments à chambre ovale-allongée de Los Llanetes, bâtis le c. 3950-3750 cal av. n.è. Dans le sud de la péninsule, c. 3800 cal av. n., fait irruption le collectivisme funéraire comme un rituel de la mort, en développant des sépultures en dolmens à chambres simples, des tombes proto-mégalithiques, des caves-nécropoles ou des grottes sépulcrales ; La formation des dolmens à chambre-allongée, c. 3750-3650 cal av. n.è, de deux manières: a) des modèles ex novo; b) par des réaménagements et des transformations de monuments anciens, cas de Los Llanetes. La réitération de projets architecturaux similaires conditionnerait le développement de monuments allongés, comme l'a confirmé le dolmen 4 d'El Pozuelo, c. 3650-3200 cal av. n.è. Des caractéristiques et des formules architecturales similaires pourraient être présentées dans les «allées couvertes» d'Andalousie, construites pendant les siècles centraux et la seconde moitié du IVème millénaire av. n.è. ; Les dolmens à chambres doubles de Los Llanetes ont été construits sur les monuments précédents, c. 3650-3200 cal av. n.è, parallèle aux dolmens à couloir et aux structures allongées des autres zones. Les monuments à chambres multiples (El Pozuelo, Mesa de Las Huecas, Los Gabrieles, etc.) ont dû présenter des processus de transformation équivalents, étant des modèles uniques, particuliers et exclusifs de la région de Huelva et des zones environnantes ; Dans les différents monuments dolmeniques, des projets de monumentalisation ont été réalisés et des structures ont été aménagées dans les atriums et les espaces extérieurs selon les nouveaux usages rituels de l’Âge du Cuivre, c. 3300-2600 cal av. n.è, en plus de l'intégration d'autres constructions funéraires (tholoi) dans les monuments tumulaires, c. 2600-2250 cal av. n.è, cas du dolmen 2 de Los Llanetes ; La mise en place et la consolidation de trois modèles de monuments funéraires à l'Âge du Cuivre: les hypogées, les hypogées mixtes et les tholoi, comme en montré la séquence diachronique des sépultures collectives d'El Seminario, c. 3000-2400 cal av. n.è. Ces tombes partagent des éléments spatiaux et des gestes funéraires communs ; L'existence d'autres formes de monumentalité de l'Âge du Bronze Ancien, c. 2250-1950 cal av. n.è, à la suite de la réappropriation des espaces ancestraux: 1) les enceintes de terrasses du groupe de Los Llanetes; 2) le monumentalisme funéraire du Séminaire, intégrant des tombes individuelles (caves souterraines, fosses et structures à couverture tumulaire) et des tombes collectives (fosses) dans les sépultures chalcolithiques ; Réutilisation dans diverses phases de l'Âge du Bronze et dans plusieurs périodes historiques
The area of Huelva stands out for the architectural variability and singularity of the megalithic monuments. The study of this area allows us to propose an architectural sequence and a temporality from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age in western Andalusia, contrasting with the southern models of the Iberian Peninsula and contextualizing the dynamics of western European megalithism. To do this, the research focuses on the study of three spheres of monuments: architecture, construction and uses (funerary, ritual and territorial). The identification and characterization of the architectural projects of the analyzed sites (Los Llanetes and El Seminario) has been carried out through a methodology oriented to the knowledge of construction works, architectures and diachronies. The architectural sequence of western Andalusia encompasses a temporality from the beginning of the 4th millennium to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. During this chronology several models of funerary monuments and rituals erected with a variety of constructive techniques, representing the existence of regional styles or local specializations according to the different social groups. By way of synthesis, the regional sequence evidences the following process : The construction of the first dolmens at the beginning of the 4th millennium cal BC, as evidenced by the oval-elongated chamber monuments of Los Llanetes, built c. 3950-3750 cal BC. In the south of the peninsula c. 3800 cal BC burst the funerary collectivism as a ritual of death, developing burials in simple chamber dolmens, proto-megalithic tombs, necropolis-caves or sepulchral caves ; The formation of the elongated-chamber dolmens, c. 3750-3650 cal BC, through two ways: a) ex novo models; b) by processes of transformation of old monuments, case of Los Llanetes. The reiteration of similar architectural projects would condition the development of elongated monuments, as has been confirmed in the dolmen 4 of El Pozuelo, c. 3650-3200 cal BC. Characteristics and similar architectural formulas could be presented in the "covered gallery graves" of Andalusia, built during the central centuries and the second half of the 4th millennium BC ; The dual chamber dolmens of Los Llanetes were built on the previous monuments, c. 3650-3200 cal BC, parallel to the passage grave and elongated structures of other areas. The monuments of multiple chambers (El Pozuelo, Mesa de Las Huecas, Los Gabrieles, etc.) had to present equivalent transformation processes, being unique, particular and exclusive models of the area of Huelva and surrounding areas ; In the various orthostatic monuments were carry out the monumentalization projects and structures arranged in the atriums and external spaces according to the new ritual uses of the Copper Age, c. 3300-2600 cal BC, in addition to the integration of other funerary constructions (tholoi) in the tumular monuments, c. 2600-2250 cal BC, case of the dolmen 2 of Los Llanetes ; The implantation and consolidation of three models of funerary monuments in the Copper Age: hypogeums, mixed hypogeums and tholoi, as witnessed by the diachronic sequence of the collective graves of El Seminario, c. 3000-2400 cal BC. These tombs share common space elements and funerary practices ; The existence of other forms of monumentality of the Ancient Bronze Age, c. 2250-1950 cal BC, as a consequence of the reappropriation of the ancestral spaces: 1) the terrace enclosures of the Llanetes group; 2) the funerary monumentalism of El Seminario, integrating individual tombs (subterranean caves, pits and structures with tumular coverings) and collective graves (pits) in the chalcolithic tombs ; Reuse in various phases of the Bronze Age and in several historical periods

O cromeleque dos Almendres, em Évora, é um dos mais significativos monumentos megalíticos de toda a península Ibérica. Embora a sua importância arqueológica esteja já atestada a sua componente patrimonial não foi ainda largamente explorada. Com efeito este trabalho pretende partir deste caso exemplar para uma discussão mais alargada do sentido patrimonial deste monumentos. Sendo estruturas proliferamente presentes por toda a Europa, estas construções há muito que assumiram o seu lugar no imaginário popular e no discurso arqueológico, contudo é necessário pensar a sua posição na contemporânea dialéctica do património – um sector com uma crescente abrangência sócio-cultural.
The Almendres Cromlech in Évora is one of the most significant megalithic monuments in all the Iberian Peninsula. Although its archaeological value has already been assessed, the understanding of its role as a heritage lacks developing. Indeed, this study intent to start at this particular case to spread its scope to a wider discussion about the nature of megalithic sites as heritage sites. Being broadly spread structures throughout Europe, megalithic constructions have long taken their place in popular culture and archaeological discourse, never the less it is needed to systematize their positioning within the current theories about Heritage – a sect that is ever expanding, both socially and culturally.

"21st December 2001"
Includes bibliographical references
Various paging : ill. (some col.), maps, plates ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Physics and Mathematical Physics and Centre for European Studies and General Linguistics, 2003

Returns to the nature In the theoretical part the work is focused on a short presentation of some important prehistoric monuments, and the visual impression which the artworks of our ancestors leave on a present man. It endeavour to do exoteric confrontation between prehistoric art and modern art. The image part of this work is based on "a game" individually-up to dated subjects and a hidden notation placed in the scenes, which are inspirated by our ancestors who were materialized in absolutely different conditions surroundings than we are.