Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Dolmen de la Maison de la Vieille, also known as Pierre de la Vieille, is a megalithic monument located in the commune of Luxé, in the department of Charente (New Aquitaine). This dolmen, of angoumoisin type, dates from the Neolithic and is characterized by a cover table broken in two parts, resting on four orthostates. The funeral chamber, 2 metres long by 1.5 metres wide, reaches a height of 1.6 metres. The tumulus that originally surrounded it has almost completely disappeared.

The site was searched in 1874 by Auguste-François Lièvre, but no significant archaeological discovery was recorded during this research. In 1956, the dolmen was included in the inventory of historical monuments by ministerial decree. In the 1960s, it was moved due to an agricultural re-memberment, partially altering its original context. Today, there remains a rare testimony of neolithic funeral practices in the region.

The current dolmen structure shows a 1 metre thick table supported by erect stones (orthostats). Although the tumulus has disappeared, the monument retains a major heritage value for understanding local prehistoric societies. Its movement and absence of archaeological furniture during excavations, however, limit the precise knowledge of its use and history.

External links