Construction of dolmen Néolithique final - Chalcolithique (≈ 2770 av. J.-C.)
Building on a grave, vast burial chamber.
9 septembre 2011
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 9 septembre 2011 (≈ 2011)
Official Site Protection (Order).
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The archaeological site (cad. A 512, placed Pierre levée): inscription by order of 9 September 2011
Origin and history
Ganil's dolmen, built at the end of the Neolithic or Chalcolithic, is distinguished by its particularly large burial chamber, covered with two imposing slabs (south-east and north-west). The space between the pillars is sealed by a dry stone trim, while a south-east opening allowed direct access from the outside. The set integrates into an oval cairn, still well preserved, reaching the height of the large covering slab.
Located on a cove, this monument illustrates the funeral practices of the prehistoric societies of the region. Its structure, typical of the collective burials of the period, reflects a notable architectural mastery, with a slab cover and a carefully arranged cairn. The absence of furniture or associated objects in the source text does not clarify the exact rites, but its inscription as Historic Monument in 2011 underscores its heritage importance.
The site, located in Gréalou (Lot, Occitanie), has been granted official protection since the decree of 9 September 2011, covering the so-called Rise Stone (cadastre A 512). Although the sources mention an approximate location (diagnostic accuracy), its state of conservation makes it a rare evidence of megalithic constructions of this period in southwestern France.
