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Origin and history

The menhir known as Lange Stein is a 224 cm high stone, located in Dorlisheim, Lower Rhine. Stained in yellowish sandstone, it simmers upwards and carries a carved face since 1928. Originally, it served as a terminal between Dorlisheim, Altorf and Molsheim, as evidenced by the coat of arms of Altorf and the 1781 vintage engraved on its faces. Characters of a modern inscription (probably in German) are also visible.

Ranked a historic monument in 1930, the Lange Stein is interpreted differently according to the sources. For archaeologists, it would be a tumular stele or a menhir hallstattian, as suggested by the first iron-age teeth and calcined bones discovered in 1928 during excavations. The associated tumulus has since disappeared, abrased by cultures. Other hypotheses, such as Rohr's, see it as a Neolithic calendar stone. Local oral tradition calls Lange Stein (long stone) or Hardtbibber, an evocative term.

Several legends are attached to this menhir, reflecting its symbolic importance for the surrounding communes. Today, it stands by a rural road, at the eastern tip of Dorlisheim territory. Owned by the municipality, it remains accessible although its original archaeological context has been partially altered by agricultural activity and subsequent changes (gravures, facial sculpture).

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