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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The menhir dit de Mézerac, also known as Roche de Len, is a megalithic vestige located in the commune of Saint-Lyphard, in the Loire-Atlantique department. This monument, dated Neolithic, bears witness to the cultural and religious practices of prehistoric societies in the region. He was registered as a historical monument by order of 26 March 1981, thereby recognizing his heritage importance.

The stone, which measures 2 metres above ground level, would be buried about 1 metre deep. This type of monument, typical of megalithism, was probably linked to territorial rituals or markers for local communities. Menhirs, such as that of Mézerac, are often associated with funeral or ceremonial sites, although their exact function is sometimes enigmatic.

The Presqu'île Guérandaise and the Brière region, where Saint-Lyphard is located, has several other megalithic sites, emphasizing the importance of this area to neolithic populations. Mézerac Menhir is cited in specialized works, such as 100 menhirs & Dolmens in Presqu'île Guérandaise & en Brière, which document these remains and their archaeological context.

The precise location of the monument is indicated in the Merimée base, with an accuracy considered fair (level 5 of 10). The site is accessible in the commune of Saint-Lyphard, whose Insee code is 44175 in the Pays de la Loire region. No additional information is available regarding its current access or use.

The inscription of the menhir as historical monuments in 1981 allowed it to be protected and preserved for future generations. This classification reflects the archaeological and cultural interest of this type of heritage, often threatened by erosion or human activities. La Roche de Len remains a remarkable example of the megalithic heritage of the Loire-Atlantique.

Finally, this monument is part of a wider network of megalithic sites in the region, as evidenced by the list of historical monuments of the Loire-Atlantique. These remains provide a valuable insight into the lifestyles and beliefs of prehistoric societies that occupied this part of western France.

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