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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Dolmen de la Beaune, also known as Pierre Levée, is a megalithic monument located in the town of Issendolus, in the Lot department. This dolmen, typical of the Neolithic period, bears witness to the funeral and architectural practices of this distant era. It has been on the inventory of historic monuments since 1988, highlighting its heritage and archaeological importance.

The site is referenced as Pierre Levée in official databases, such as Mérimée, and is located precisely in the town of Issendolus, identified by the Insee code 46132. Although architectural details are not described in available sources, its registration in 1988 confirms its historical value and legal protection.

In the Neolithic era, dolmens generally served as collective burials, reflecting a social organization structured around funeral rites. In the region, now known as Occitanie, these monuments were often integrated into sacred landscapes, marking the territory and memory of prehistoric communities. Their construction required collective cooperation, a sign of an organized and sedentary society.

Available sources, such as Wikipedia and Monumentum, also mention that this dolmen is sometimes referred to as dolmen de la Beaume. This variation in name may reflect local traditions or linguistic changes over the centuries. No additional information on its specific use or detailed history is provided in the source texts.

The designation of historic monuments in 1988 preserved this fragile heritage, often threatened by erosion or human activities. Today, it is a valuable testimony of the first monumental architectures in France, attracting the interest of archaeologists and history enthusiasts.

The location of the dolmen, although specified by GPS coordinates, is evaluated with average accuracy (level 5/10), which may indicate minor uncertainties in its exact location. However, this impreciseness does not affect its recognition as a protected and studied monument.

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