Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The tumulus of Toul-Prieu, also known as the circular burial of Toul-Prieu, is a prehistoric monument located in Carnac, Morbihan. This neolithic site presents itself as a truncated cone 17 metres in diameter and 1.75 metres in height, built around two concentric stone enclosures. The first, 8.75 m in diameter, is composed of flat stones in five seats, while the second (7.25 m) uses rough blocks reddened by fire. These structures rely directly on the underlying rock.

In the 19th century, the tumulus was subjected to clandestine excavations and stone removals by the inhabitants of the neighbouring village of Coët-à-Toutes. In 1878, the antiquery James Miln undertook systematic excavations, during which the owner admitted to having destroyed a similar monument near Kergo. Excavations revealed pottery studs, flint tools (gratters, shrapnel, polished axe), granite grinding wheels, and bronze and anachronic iron fragments.

The most significant discoveries include a funerary urn containing incinerated human bones (cranial, jaw, vertebrae), confirming the sepulchral vocation of the site. Miln also collected a terracotta fusaïole, suggesting artisanal textile practices. Ranked a historic monument by decree of September 11, 1929, the tumulus illustrates the funeral rites and megalithic architecture of the Neolithic in Brittany, despite the disturbances caused by subsequent human activities.

External links