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Origin and history

The Dolmen de Chantepierre is a megalithic building located in Broc, Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region. Dated from Neolithic, it is distinguished by its modest but well preserved structure, composed of eight orthostats of low height (maximum 0.90 m) arranged irregularly. These stones delimit a funerary chamber of pentagonal shape, accessible by a short corridor. The whole is covered with a single circular cover table, thick about 1 metre, while part of the original tumulus remains visible. Its name evokes a local legend of "singing stone" or ringing, although this oral tradition is not documented in detail.

Ranked a historic monument on June 17, 1983 for its "exceptional interest", the dolmen illustrates the architectural and funeral practices of the Neolithic communities of the region. Orthostats, deep in the ground for some, suggest careful construction despite their modest appearance. The curved shape of the cover table, about 2 meters in diameter, is characteristic of the angeline dolmens. This monument is part of a larger set of megalithic sites in Maine-et-Loire, studied in particular by Michel Gruet and Jean L'Helgouac'h in their work on local megalithism.

Archaeological sources, such as those cited in Gallia prehistory (1985) or the work Megalithes en Anjou (2005), underline its importance in understanding the rituals and social organization of neolithic populations. Although not very impressive compared to other dolmens, its conservation and ranking is a valuable testimony. However, the approximate location (accuracy noted 5/10 on Monumentum) and the lack of data on its current accessibility limit further studies. Its official address, according to the Mérimée base, remains 49490 Broc, in the commune of Noyant-Villages since the territorial reorganizations.

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