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Origin and history

Crucuny's tumulus, also called Er Mané, is a megalithic monument located in Carnac, Morbihan. Dating from the Bronze Age, it is distinguished by its imposing dimensions (35 m long, 23 m wide and 13 m high) and its north-north-east/south-south-west orientation. A 2.80 m menhir, engraved with an axe, crowns its top east side. This site illustrates the funerary and architectural practices of the period, with various structures such as cairns, megalithic chambers and stone chests.

The tumulus was first explored in the 1870s by W. C. Lukis, although no report of excavations reached us. In 1922, Zacharie Le Rouzic and the Pequart spouses conducted extensive excavations, revealing two distinct sets: a cairn and a megalithic chamber in the northeast, built on a rocky outcrop, and a second central cairn containing trunks of various shapes (triangular, rectangular, circular). The differences in construction between these parts suggest two distinct construction phases, with the northeast probably the oldest.

The excavations revealed a variety of archaeological furniture, including flint fragments, millstone fragments, axes and pottery dated from Neolithic, as well as Gallo-Roman remains (iron, copper, pottery). These indicate changes to the site at a later time. A pit also delivered bone remains attributed to at least three individuals, confirming the funeral vocation of the tumulus. The site has been classified as historic monuments since 1900, highlighting its heritage importance.

The structure of the tumulus reveals a complex organization: in the north-east, the stone blocks are regular and well arranged, while the central and south-east buildings appear coarser, with irregular blocks. This disparity could reflect changes in cultural techniques or practices between the two construction periods. The menhir summital, with its axe engraving, adds a symbolic dimension to the monument, possibly linked to rituals or territorial markers.

Archaeological discoveries, including traces of burned earth and charcoal around the monument, suggest ritual practices involving fire. Funeral chests, one of which is divided into eight niches covered with flat corbelling stones, bear witness to a sophisticated architecture designed to house the deceased. The appendix linking the central cairn to a circular chest reinforces the idea of thoughtful spatial planning, possibly linked to beliefs or social hierarchy.

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