Construction of dolmens Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Estimated period of their construction.
1169
First written citation
First written citation 1169 (≈ 1169)
Mentioned under *Boscum de Sauzilya* in a foil.
1882
Study by Mauffras and Lestrange
Study by Mauffras and Lestrange 1882 (≈ 1882)
Detailed description after on-site visit.
2 septembre 1938
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 2 septembre 1938 (≈ 1938)
Official protection of both dolmens.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Two dolmens (Case C 50): by order of 2 September 1938
Key figures
Émile Mauffras - Researcher
Described the dolmens in 1882.
Henri de Lestrange - Researcher
Mauffras collaborator for study.
Origin and history
The dolmens de la Sauzaie, located in Soubise in the department of Charente-Maritime, date from Neolithic. Originally, three dolmens of angoumoisin type existed, but only two remain today. They were cited in 1169 as the Boscum de Sauzilia and were moved during the construction of the Rochefort military airport runway. Their current condition is deteriorating, and their access is restricted to persons authorized on Air Base 721.
These funerary monuments were built with stones transported for several kilometres, on the edge of the Brouage marsh. Their structure consisted of imposing orthostats, one of which, with a window-shaped echancrure, probably served as a clasp. The monumental cover table (5 m long, 1.85 m thick) was broken after the collapse of a pillar. The dolmens were about 70 metres apart.
Classified as historical monuments by order of 2 September 1938, they were studied in the 19th century, notably by Émile Mauffras and Henri de Lestrange in 1882. Their description reveals a sepulchral chamber 4 m long for 3 m wide, covered with a slab of 0.50 m thick. The second dolmen, already damaged in the early 19th century, opened to the south-west and was located near the old road from Saint-Agnant to Moëze.
