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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Menhir de Pierre-Borne is a megalithic monument located in Raon-l'Étape, Vosges department, in the Grand Est region. This pink granite monolith, probably extracted from Chavré's quarry, rises more than 3 meters above the ground. Its weight is estimated at about 7.8 tons, and its approximate date is between 3000 and 2000 years B.C.E. It is located at the edge of the communes of Bertrichamps and Raon-l'Étape, in a place called Pierre-Borne.

The menhir was classified as a historic monument by decree on November 25, 1924, recognizing its heritage importance. Although its exact origin and precise function remain uncertain, it testifies to prehistoric human activity in this region. Its strategic location, at the border between two municipalities, could indicate a territorial or symbolic marker role for older populations.

The Vosges region, rich in megalithic remains, suggests an ancient human occupation, with communities organized around agriculture, livestock and the exploitation of local resources such as granite. Menhirs, often associated with ritual or funeral practices, reflect a complex social organization and a particular relationship with the landscape and natural elements.

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