Antequera Menga Dolmen Quarry
Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE)·Late Neolithic·🇪🇸 Andalusia, Antequera, Spain
About
About Antequera Menga Dolmen Quarry
Antequera Menga Dolmen Quarry in Andalusia, Antequera, Spain is a Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE) megalithic attributed to Late Neolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal chamber 6 × 2 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 37.0220N -4.5580E controls access to Andalusia resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey megalithic for Andalusia, Antequera, illustrating Late Neolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3300–2800 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Neolithic
- Purpose
- Collective burial and territorial marker for agro-pastoral community
- Rediscovered
- 1989 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 3300–2800 BCE
Initial construction of Antequera Menga Dolmen Quarry main structure
c. 1929
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1989–2019
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Antequera Menga Dolmen Quarry) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
37.0220° N · 4.5580° W · 283 m · 3 mapped features
Antequera Menga Dolmen Quarry — Main Structure
structurePrincipal megalithic — Chamber 6 × 2 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
37.0228° N · 4.5571° WAntequera Menga Dolmen Quarry — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
37.0210° N · 4.5587° WAntequera Menga Dolmen Quarry — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with cup marks and alignment
37.0235° N · 4.5568° W