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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The tumuli of La Chau (also called tumulus of Mons or Chausse) are a set of three protohistoric burials located in the commune of Saint-Georges, in the department of Cantal, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. They are part of a larger necropolis with a dozen tumuli, including the one associated with the Dolmen de Mons, suggesting a funeral space reserved for a local elite. These monuments, characteristic of Protohistory, illustrate the funeral rites and social organization of the people of the period in this volcanic region.

The site was officially recognized for its heritage importance by an inscription to historical monuments on 21 September 2010, specifically protecting the three tumuli (ZH 3, ZH 33 and ZE 24 parks). Their preservation is part of a broader context of valuing protohistoric remains in Auvergne, where these structures served both as territorial markers and as memorial sites for communities. Archaeological excavations, such as those carried out near the mound of Mons during the development of the A75 motorway, have enriched knowledge of these funeral practices.

The location of the tumuli, although documented (GPS coordinates and Mérimée address: 15100 Saint-Georges), remains of limited accuracy (level 5/10 according to Monumentum), reflecting the challenges of mapping old sites. Their proximity to the Dolmen de Mons highlights a concentration of megalithic monuments in this area, probably linked to a sacred landscape or prehistoric circulation axes. No information is available on their current accessibility or integration into tourist routes.

Sources available (Wikipedia, Monumentum, Mérimée database) also mention bibliographical references, such as Daniel Martin's book on the historical identity of the Auvergne, which places these tumuli in a wider regional context. Their study helps to understand the cultural and political dynamics of protohistoric societies, between Celtic influence and local traditions. No historical or archaeologist figure is explicitly associated with their discovery or study in source texts.

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