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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Dolmen des Gorces, also known as Pierre Levée des Gorces or dolmen de Montgarneau, is a megalithic building located in the commune of Parnac, in the department of Indre. This monument, dated from the Neolithic, consists of a granulite cover table measuring 2.50 meters long, 2 meters wide and 0.75 meters thick, resting on three gneiss pillars. The funerary chamber, square in shape, is oriented east-south-east/west-north-west, with an entrance to the east-south-east. The cover table has two small cuts, probably linked to an attempt at cutting, as well as natural depressions.

The dolmen was listed as a historic monument in 1889, recognizing its heritage value. Nearby, granite blocks visible in the 19th century have now disappeared. According to Élie de Beaufort's reports, a 7 cm long shale hatchet was discovered in the vicinity, testifying to human activity at that time. This simple, small dolmen illustrates the funeral and architectural practices of Neolithic in the region.

Historical sources also mention bibliographical references, including the works of Élie de Beaufort published in 1851 and those of Gérard Coulon in 2011, which document this megalithic site. The Gorce dolmen is thus a representative example of the megalithic monuments of Indre, contributing to the understanding of local neolithic societies.

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