Construction of dolmens Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Period of initial site construction.
1886
Félix Gaillard Searches
Félix Gaillard Searches 1886 (≈ 1886)
First documented archaeological exploration.
1896
Dismantling of a dolmen
Dismantling of a dolmen 1896 (≈ 1896)
Transportation to Meudon for a family grave.
20 avril 1927
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 20 avril 1927 (≈ 1927)
Protection of the remaining two dolmens.
24 juillet 2023
New extended protection
New extended protection 24 juillet 2023 (≈ 2023)
Registration of the megalithic ensemble and soil.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The megalithic ensemble of Roh Vras, composed of the dolmen and menhir of Roh Vras, two menhirs and two megalithic slabs, as well as the base soil of plots D 411, D 412, D 413, D 414, D 420, D 421, D 422, D 428, D 429, D 430, D 431, constituting archaeological reserve. The megalithic ensemble of Roh Vras appears in the cadastre of the commune section D parcels n° 411, 412, 413, 414, 420, 421, 422, 428, 429, 430 and 431, shown on the plan attached to the decree: inscription by order of 24 July 2023
Key figures
Félix Gaillard - Archaeologist
Excavated and described the dolmens in 1886-1892.
Zacharie Le Rouzic - Archaeologist and opponent
Sopposa to the dismantling of 1896.
Jean-Baptiste Piketty - Stone buyer
Aceta and moved a dolmen to Meudon.
Origin and history
The megalithic ensemble of Roh Vras, also called dolmens de Kerran (or Ker-Han), originally consists of three corridor dolmens, included in the same terre and oriented towards the southeast. Located on the town of Saint-Philibert in Morbihan, these monuments date from Neolithic. In 1886 Felix Gaillard searched the southernmost dolmen, describing in 1892 a site composed of three distinct megalithic structures, each with stone supports and horizontal tables. The pavement of these dolmens, especially that of the south dolmen described as "long-dallage", reveals rare architectural peculiarities for the period.
In 1896, one of the dolmens was dismantled by Jean-Baptiste Piketty, despite the opposition of archaeologist Zacharie Le Rouzic, to be reconstituted as a family grave in the Long Reages cemetery in Meudon. This disassembly allows the discovery of engravings on a slab, including an axe and a rectangle with rounded angles, as well as archaeological objects such as apode vase, an axe, callai grains and flint. The remaining two dolmens were classified as historical monuments in 1927, while the entire site, including menhirs and slabs, was protected by decree in July 2023 for its archaeological value.
The excavations conducted by Gaillard and Le Rouzic revealed significant funerary furniture, including human bones, flint tools, and quartz and callai trimmings. These artifacts, now preserved at the Musée de Préhistoire de Carnac, testify to the funeral and artisanal practices of Neolithic in Brittany. The dolmen moved to Meudon, now known as Ker-Han's dolmen, retains original architectural and decorative elements, although its integrity has been altered by its transport.
The Roh Vras site illustrates the challenges of preserving the megalithic heritage in the 19th century, marked by the dismantling and displacement of architectural elements. Gaillard's descriptions and Le Rouzic's oppositions underline the growing importance of protecting prehistoric monuments, leading to their progressive classification. Today, the megalithic ensemble, a property shared between the state and individuals, remains a major testimony of neolithic funeral architecture in Brittany.
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