Passage grave

Passage Grave

A passage grave is a type of megalithic tomb that consists of a narrow passage made of large stones and one or multiple burial chambers covered in earth or stone. They are a significant part of the Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological record, primarily found in Western Europe.

Structure and Design

Passage graves are characterized by their distinctive architectural features:

• Passage: The passage is typically a long, narrow corridor constructed from large upright stones, known as orthostats, and capped with horizontal slabs.
• Chamber: At the end of the passage, there is usually a chamber where the deceased were placed. The chamber can be circular, rectangular, or polygonal.
• Mound: The entire structure is often covered by a mound of earth or stones, known as a cairn or tumulus, which can vary in size.

The entrance to the passage grave is often aligned with specific astronomical events, such as the solstices or equinoxes, indicating the importance of celestial events in the culture that built them.

Cultural Significance

Passage graves are believed to have served both as burial sites and ceremonial centers. They reflect the social and religious practices of the communities that built them. The construction of these graves required significant communal effort, suggesting a well-organized society with complex social structures.

Distribution

Passage graves are predominantly found in:

• Ireland: Notable sites include Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth in the Boyne Valley.
• Scotland: Sites such as Maeshowe in Orkney are famous examples.
• France: The region of Brittany is home to numerous passage graves, including the Carnac alignments.
• Spain and Portugal: The Iberian Peninsula also features several passage graves, often referred to as dolmens.

Archaeological Findings

Excavations of passage graves have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and personal ornaments. These findings provide insights into the daily life, trade, and cultural practices of the societies that constructed these monuments.

Conservation and Preservation

Many passage graves are protected as World Heritage Sites due to their historical and cultural significance. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the structural integrity of these ancient monuments while allowing for public access and education.

Also see

• Megalithic architecture
• Dolmen
• Cairn (stone mound)
• Neolithic Europe
• Bronze Age Europe

Passage grave

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