The dolmens of Carnac, France, are megalithic structures dating back to the Neolithic period, around 4500 to 3300 BCE. They were constructed primarily as funerary monuments, serving as burial sites for the dead. The exact reasons for their construction remain a topic of debate among scholars, but several theories have been proposed:
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Burial Practices: The primary purpose of dolmens was likely related to burial rites. They often contained human remains and artifacts, suggesting they served as tombs for the deceased.
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Cultural Significance: The construction of dolmens reflects the social and cultural practices of the communities that built them. They may have served to honor ancestors, indicating a belief in an afterlife or the spiritual significance of the dead.
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Territorial Markers: Some researchers believe dolmens might have acted as territorial markers, signifying ownership or claim over a particular area or as points of reference within the landscape.
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Astro-archaeological alignments: Some dolmens are aligned with astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes, suggesting they may have had a role in early calendrical systems or rituals associated with celestial events.
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Community and Identity: The construction of these structures may also reflect a collective effort of the community, serving as a symbol of identity and cohesion among the people.
Overall, while dolmens hold significant archaeological and historical value, their exact purpose is multifaceted and may have encompassed a combination of these factors.
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