Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Dolmen du Bois-Briand is an emblematic megalithic monument located in the municipality of Saumur, specifically in the associated commune of Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, Maine-et-Loire. This site, dated Neolithic, bears witness to the funeral and architectural practices of prehistoric societies in the region. Its location in the local landscape makes it a rare and precious vestige of this distant era.

Ranked as historical monuments in 1914, the Dolmen du Bois-Briand was recognized for its heritage and archaeological value. This official classification, published in the Official Journal on April 18, 1914, ensures its protection and preservation for future generations. The site is referenced in the Mérimée base, an essential tool for the inventory of French architectural heritage.

In the Neolithic period, during which the dolmen was built, local communities were mainly organized around agriculture, livestock and handicrafts. Megalithic monuments, such as this dolmen, often served as collective burials and played a central role in funeral rituals and social structuring. Their construction reflected a complex community organization and advanced mastery of construction techniques.

The Dolmen du Bois-Briand is located at the approximate address of the 16 Impasse des Hautes Vignes in Saumur. Although its geographic accuracy is assessed as poor (level 5 out of 10), this location allows visitors and researchers to situate it in its current environment. The site remains a point of interest for those passionate about archaeology and local history.

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