Gavrinis Passage Grave Annex
Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE)·Late Neolithic·🇫🇷 Brittany, Morbihan, Larmor-Baden, France
About
About Gavrinis Passage Grave Annex
Gavrinis Passage Grave Annex in Brittany, Morbihan, Larmor-Baden, France 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 47.5750N -2.8980E controls access to Brittany 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 Brittany, Morbihan, Larmor-Baden, 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
- 1979 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3300–2800 BCE
Initial construction of Gavrinis Passage Grave Annex main structure
c. 1919
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1979–2009
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Gavrinis Passage Grave Annex) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
47.5750° N · 2.8980° W · 213 m · 3 mapped features
Gavrinis Passage Grave Annex — Main Structure
structurePrincipal megalithic — Chamber 6 × 2 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
47.5758° N · 2.8971° WGavrinis Passage Grave Annex — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
47.5740° N · 2.8987° WGavrinis Passage Grave Annex — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with cup marks and alignment
47.5765° N · 2.8968° W