Timeline

Origin and history

The Dolmen du Bois des Roches is a megalithic monument located in the commune of Beaulieu, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This type of structure, characteristic of prehistory, generally served as a collective burial or ritual place. Although its precise dating is not mentioned in the available sources, it is part of the tradition of neolithic constructions, often associated with the first sedentary and agricultural societies.

Dolmens, widespread throughout Europe, mark a period of transition to organised funeral practices. In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, these monuments illustrate the ancient occupation of territories and cultural exchanges between populations. Their presence attests to a complex social organization, where funeral rites played a central role in community cohesion.

These structures, often composed of large stone slabs, also reflect the technical knowledge of the time, particularly in the transport and assembly of heavy materials.