megalith

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megalith. Large block of undressed or partially dressed stone used singly or with other megaliths as prehistoric monuments in c.4000–c.1000 BC. A single standing-stone is a menhir, sometimes arranged in regular rows (as at Carnac, Brittany). Megaliths are also found set in a circle, as at Stonehenge, Wilts. (c.1800 BC), with lintels forming a continuous band around the tops. Structures formed of uprights supporting a large flat slab were usually chamber-tombs, known as cromlechs or dolmens.

Bibliography

Burl (1976, 1995);
G. Daniel (1972);
Joussaume (1988);
Mohen (1989);
Reden (1982);
Rudofsky (1977);
Teichmann (1983)

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