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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Menhir de La Croix-Grosse is a block of basalt collected more than one kilometre from its current location in the commune of Sériers (Cantal, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Measuring 2.15 metres in height (outside the cross) for 0.55 metres in width, this prism dates back to Neolithic and reflects the megalithic practices of the era. Its basalt, a local volcanic material, reflects the geological resources exploited by the region's prehistoric communities.

This menhir was later Christianized by the addition of a sculpted summital block of a cross, illustrating a common practice of symbolic re-appropriation of pagan sites by Christianity. This modification, although not dated precisely in the sources, is part of a medieval or modern tradition of marking landscapes with religious signs. The monument thus retains a double meaning, both prehistoric and Christian.

Ranked as a historical monument since 4 April 1911, the Menhir de La Croix-Grosse enjoys heritage protection that underscores its archaeological and cultural importance. The sources mention its approximate address as "2 Chemin du Menhir" in Serrers, although some references also associate with Neuveglise-sur-Truyère, perhaps reflecting territorial adjustments or historical location errors. Its state of conservation and its exact location (noted "a priori satisfactory" with a level 6/10 accuracy) make it a subject of study for local archaeologists and historians.

The bibliographical references cite works such as those by Laurent Barbier and Frédéric Surmely, which helped document the megaliths of Auvergne. These studies place La Croix-Grosse in a wider network of megalithic sites in the Cantal, highlighting its role in neolithic funeral or ritual practices. Menhir, through his Christianization, also embodies the transition between prehistoric beliefs and the rise of Christianity in Auvergne.

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