Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Dolmen des Erves, located in Sainte-Suzanne-et-Chammes in Mayenne (Land of the Loire), is a megalithic building dating from the Middle Neolithic period. Built with local sandstone slabs, it is distinguished by its hybrid structure, combining characteristics of the angeline dolmens (quadrangular chamber preceded by a portico) and Armomeric dolmens. Its cairn, consisting of three floors, was about 10 meters long for a minimum height of 6.50 meters. The excavations revealed fragmented bones of 14 individuals, accompanied by modest funeral furniture, including a hunting cup and a deer wood peak.

The first archaeological exploration of the site was conducted in 1868 by E. Perrot, followed by a second campaign in 1983 by Frédérik Letterlé (DRAC Pays de la Loire), prior to its restoration. These excavations allowed the monument to date between 4,650 and 5,580 years before the present, thanks to 14 carbon analyses performed on bones and the deer wood peak. The dolmen, classified as historical monuments as early as 1889, illustrates an architectural transition between the megalithic traditions of the Angelian and the Armo Rican.

The spaces between orthostats (vertical pillars) were originally filled with dry stone walls, while the ground was covered with a layer of piers. Among the artifacts discovered, a breakthrough equidae tooth and seashell (Purpura lapillus) suggest symbolic exchanges or practices. The incised decoration of the base cut links the site to Chasséenne culture, confirming its anchoring in the Middle Neolithic and its collective funeral role.

External links