Construction of dolmen Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Estimated period of its construction.
3 août 1970
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 3 août 1970 (≈ 1970)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Dolmen dit de la Garenne (Case F 2): by order of 3 August 1970
Origin and history
The Dolmen de la Garenne, located in La Mothe-Saint-Heray in the Deux-Sèvres department (New Aquitaine), is a megalithic monument dated to Neolithic. This type of structure, characteristic of this period, generally served as a collective burial, reflecting funeral practices and beliefs of local prehistoric societies. Its architecture, composed of large erect stones, illustrates the construction techniques and community organization of the time.
Ranked as a Historic Monument by order of 3 August 1970, the Dolmen de la Garenne is protected for its archaeological and heritage value. This ranking underscores its importance in the study of neolithic civilizations in Poitou-Charentes, a region now integrated into New Aquitaine. The dolmens, widespread in this area, bear witness to an ancient human occupation and a megalithic culture shared with other European regions.
