Cairn of Barnenez
Cairn de Barnenez · Barnenez ar Sant
Early to Middle Neolithic·Armorican Early Neolithic·🇫🇷 Brittany, Finistère, France
About
About Cairn of Barnenez
One of the world's oldest megalithic monuments, monumental passage grave complex on Kernéléhen Peninsula overlooking Bay of Morlaix. Massive trapezoidal cairn 72 m long x 20-25 m wide x 8 m high containing eleven parallel passage graves (dolmens A-K) with corbelled chambers. Dates to c.4850–4000 BCE (primary phase c.4850 BCE). Exhibits decorated slabs with axe and arch motifs. Preserved as Musée national.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronological primacy among European passage tombs
Theories
- 01Incremental addition of tombs for lineages over 800 years
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. 4850–4000 BCE
- Period
- Early to Middle Neolithic
- Culture
- Armorican Early Neolithic
- Purpose
- Collective passage grave necropolis
- Abandoned
- c.3500 BCE
- Rediscovered
- Quarry damage 1950s; saved and excavated by Giot 1954-68
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 4850–4000 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1313 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
48.6675° N · 3.8586° W · 40 m · 2 mapped features
Passage Grave A (decorated)
passage graveEasternmost passage with engraved axe motifs
48.6675° N · 3.8586° WPassage Grave H (central)
passage graveCentral chamber with corbelled vault
48.6676° N · 3.8588° W
Gallery