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Origin and history

The Menhir de la Pierre is a block of sandstone erected in the Neolithic, located at the place called the Grande Pierre, in the commune of Ceaucé (Orne, Normandy). Unlike the local granite basement, this parallelepipedic monument is 1.35 m high, but would be buried about a third of its total height. Staging blocks, discovered in 1932 during excavations, confirm its artificial anchor, although no archaeological objects were found on this occasion.

Ranked as historical monuments since November 25, 1976, this menhir is distinguished by its location at the top of a slope overlooking the Varenne valley. Its erection reflects neolithic megalithic practices, marked by the use of erect stones as symbolic or funeral landmarks. The region, rich in similar sites, bears witness to an organised human occupation around these monuments, often linked to rituals or the structuring of the territory.

Historical sources, including Guy Verron's reports (1977) and the data from the Merimée database, point to his archaeological interest. Although little documented before its rediscovery in 1932, the menhir illustrates the persistence of megalithic traditions in Lower Normandy. Its state of conservation and classification make it a representative example of the local prehistoric heritage, accessible to the public despite an approximate geographical location (estimated at 5/10).

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