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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Dolmen des Grès de Linas, also known as the Dolmen de Thionville, is a megalithic monument located in the commune of Congerville-Thionville in the Essonne department of Île-de-France. Dated from the recent Neolithic, it bears witness to the funeral practices of that time. Today, there is only one sandstone roof table (2.50 m x 2 m, 37 cm thick) and two limestone orthostats, vestige of a once more imposing structure.

In 1864, Mr. de Boisvillette reported the existence of two dolmens on the site, the best preserved of which was destroyed shortly thereafter. The remaining dolmen was proposed for classification in 1887, but this protection was only effective in 1970. Maudemain's excavations in the early 20th century reportedly revealed two skulls, human bones, cut flints (including a drill and a portable polisher), but this archaeological material is now lost.

The site illustrates the challenges of preserving prehistoric heritage, marked by fragmentary discoveries and documentary losses. Its late ranking reflects a gradual awareness of the value of megalithic monuments, often threatened by erosion or human activities before their legal protection.

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