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Origin and history

The Dolmen de Peyrelevade, also known as Pierre Levée or dolmen du Camp-de-César, is a megalithic building located in Brantôme, Dordogne department (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Dating from the Neolithic, it is located to the east of the village, near the departmental road 78, bordering the Riberacois and the central Périgord. This site, reported in 1818 by archaeologist François Jouannet, is considered the most famous megalithic monument in Dordogne according to Alain Beyneix.

Ranked as historical monuments in 1889, the dolmen was consolidated in the late 19th century by the addition of a support pillar. Its sepulchral chamber, 2.50 meters high, is covered with a monumental sandstone table (5 m long, 2.90 m wide, 1.40 m thick), supported by three carefully skewed orthostats. No archaeological furniture was associated with this site, suggesting a mainly funerary vocation.

The dolmen, of angoumoisin type, was the subject of numerous representations at the beginning of the twentieth century, notably in the form of postcards. Today owned by the municipality of Brantôme, it is located at approximately 6 Rue du Dolmen, although its geographical accuracy is assessed as very satisfactory (note 8/10). Its state of conservation and its reputation make it a major testimony of the regional megalithic architecture.

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