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Origin and history

The Dolmen d'Aillevans is part of a group of three dolmens located in the Bois de Blusseret, in the commune of Aillevans in Haute-Saône. These funeral monuments, built on a hill at 300 m above sea level, date from the final Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Their architectural homogeneity and common burial practices suggest a construction by the same sedentary population on the site. The dolmens were searched several times, notably in 1954, 1960 and 1973, but little furniture or detailed survey remains.

Dolmen No. 1, a historic monument in 1979, has a complex architecture with an initial circular tumulus, a vestibule and a rectangular burial chamber in limestone slabs. Five construction and redevelopment phases were identified, including additions such as trapezoidal impingement and pole holes, suggesting reuse as a sanctuary. Traces of incineration from the final Bronze were also discovered.

The excavations revealed the remains of at least 23 individuals buried during the first three phases of use, accompanied by animal bones (anglar, ovitaprides, beef) that can be interpreted as food offerings. Funeral furniture, not abundant, includes flint tools, ceramics and metal objects made of copper or bronze. Dolmens No. 2 and No. 3, of similar structure, confirm continuous and collective use, with up to 50 burials estimated for dolmen No. 2.

The site, which was gradually abandoned after the Bronze Age, was covered by vegetation and turned into a pile until the 20th century. Today, Dolmen No. 1 is protected by a forest chalet, while other buildings in poor condition bear witness to ancient funeral and ritual practices in the area.

Archaeological studies highlight the importance of this site in understanding the neolithic and protohistoric populations of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The absence of detailed publications on previous excavations, however, limits the precise knowledge of its history and furniture.

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