Period of main construction Néolithique (Artenacien) (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Dating of arrow tips discovered.
1897
Representation by Favraud
Representation by Favraud 1897 (≈ 1897)
First visual documentation of the tumulus.
1927
Russell Searches
Russell Searches 1927 (≈ 1927)
Discovery of dolmen and neolithic artifacts.
21 juin 1993
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 21 juin 1993 (≈ 1993)
Official tumulus protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Tumulus (Case ZM 89): entry by order of 21 June 1993
Key figures
Alexis Favraud - Regional historian and linguist
Documented the tumulus in 1897.
James T. Russell - American archaeologist
Searched the site in 1927.
Claude Burnez - Specialist in archaeology
Performed the central remains.
Origin and history
The tumulus of Nuverteils, also known as the tumulus of the Pese Stone or Americans, is a megalithic site located in Limalonges, Deux-Sèvres. This prehistoric monument, inscribed with historical monuments in 1993, is distinguished by its irregular oval structure, resulting from excavations and deformations over time. Originally, he had a perfect circle of 26.3 metres in diameter, according to the plans of archaeologist James T. Russell in 1927.
The tumulus houses the remains of a partially ruined T-shaped dolmen with a funerary chamber measuring 4.60 m by 2.20 m. This dolmen, once surmounted by a cover table moved at the end of the 19th century, contained human bones and archaeological objects, including arrow tips, scrapers, a polished axe and a green stone pearl. These artifacts, dated Neolithic (Artenacien), suggest prolonged occupation, with traces of iron age visits.
In the centre of the tumulus, an oval pit dug into the limestone substrate and a semicircular structure were interpreted as an Atlantic-type burial, covered in corbellation. Russell's excavations in 1927 revealed bone fragments and pottery studs in this central area. Some of the objects discovered are now preserved at the museums in Washington and Civray, while others have disappeared.
Historian Alexis Favraud documented the tumulus in 1897, offering a visual representation before subsequent modifications. The site, also known as Russell's tumulus with reference to its searcher, illustrates the importance of megalithic monuments in the Deux-Sèvres region. Its inscription in 1993 highlights its heritage and archaeological value.
The limestone used for its construction would come from the valley next to the Charente. The access corridor of the dolmen, very decentralized and open to the east, was bounded by slabs and dry stone walls. These architectural features, combined with the artifacts discovered, make it a key testimony of funeral practices and social life in Neolithic New Aquitaine.
