Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The necropolis of Édon, located in the commune of Édon in Charente (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), is a remarkable megalithic complex dating from the Neolithic period. It consists of three monuments: the dolmen of Pierre Rouge (or dolmen of Lombertie), the dolmen of Gélie and the menhir of Pierre Debout. These structures, built with silico-ferruginous limestone slabs and reddish sandstone, illustrate the architectural techniques and funeral rituals of this period. The whole was inscribed historic monument by order of 7 March 1989, emphasizing its heritage importance.

Both dolmens have an elongated quadrangular room preceded by a deported entrance corridor, characteristic of angoumoisin-type dolmens. Pierre Rouge's dolmen preserves a part of its tumulus and houses a bedroom of 2.80 m by 2 m, covered with a table of 4.30 m long. Excavations carried out in 1870 by Gustave Chauvet revealed human bones, flint tools (signals, armatures of arrows), pottery studs and Muslim material, providing an overview of neolithic cultural and funeral practices.

The dolmen de la Gélie, facing to the southeast, also has a tumulus and a bedroom of 4 m by 2 m, covered with two sandstone tables. Despite previous lootings, Chauvet's excavations revealed bones, a polished axe in flint, an arrow tip, an ox tooth, and grey and black ceramics. These artifacts reflect the continued use of the site and its role in the rituals of the Neolithic community.

The menhir de la Pierre Debout, 2 m high sandstone block, completes this set. Although less studied than the dolmens, he participates in the sacred and symbolic dimension of the site. The GPS coordinates of the dolmens (45° 30′ 13′′ N for Pierre Rouge and 45° 29′ 46′′ N for Gélie) allow them to be located precisely in the Charente landscape, marked by a high concentration of megaliths.

Gustave Chauvet (1840-1933), a local archaeologist, played a key role in the study of these monuments. His excavations, though partial, allowed to document the artifacts and structures, contributing to the understanding of megalithism in Charente. His works, cited in later publications such as those of Étienne Patte or Roger Joussaume, remain a reference for the study of these sites.

The necropolis of Édon is part of a wider network of megalithic sites in the centre-west of France, reflecting a dense and organized human occupation during the Neolithic period. These monuments, both burials and territorial markers, bear witness to the beliefs, construction techniques and social organization of the prehistoric communities of the region.

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