A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports has shed light on the remarkable engineering prowess of the Neolithic period. A team of archaeologists, geologists, and historians from various institutions in Spain has uncovered fascinating insights about the Menga dolmen, an ancient burial mound near Antequera, Málaga. Dating back approximately 5,700 years, this megalithic structure stands as one of Europe’s largest and most impressive architectural achievements of its time.

The research team employed cutting-edge technology to delve into the Menga dolmen’s construction secrets. Their investigation focused on the composition of the stones used in its creation and the methods employed to transport and assemble them. The dolmen was built atop a hill, utilizing massive stones, some weighing over 100 tons. By analyzing the stones’ makeup, the team employed petrographic and stratigraphic analysis techniques, revealing that they were primarily composed of calcarenites, a type of fragile sedimentary rock.

Transporting such delicate stones without causing damage would have required high engineering sophistication. The researchers concluded that the builders of the Menga dolmen possessed remarkable planning and engineering skills. Notably, the capstone, weighing approximately 150 tons, was carefully positioned as the roof of the burial chamber. The placement of these colossal rocks necessitated the use of scaffolds, ropes, and well-constructed roads.

Furthermore, the study uncovered additional intriguing aspects of the dolmen’s design. The burial ground was intentionally aligned with nearby mountains, creating intricate light patterns within the chamber. Moreover, the early engineers ingeniously interlocked stones at the chamber’s edges to divert water seepage, preventing erosion and ensuring the monument’s longevity.

This research highlights past societies’ technical achievements and provides valuable insights into ancient architecture. By tracing the origin of the stones used in megalithic monuments, we gain a deeper understanding of the capabilities and resourcefulness of our ancestors. The Menga dolmen, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Neolithic people, who harnessed new wood and stone technologies to construct a monument of unprecedented magnitude and complexity.

References

• Rodríguez, J. A. L., Sanjuán, L. G., Álvarez-Valero, A. M., Jiménez-Espejo, F., Arrieta, J. M., Fraile-Nuez, E., Artús, R. M., Cultrone, G., Muñoz-Carballeda, F. A., & Martínez-Sevilla, F. (2023). The provenance of the stones in the Menga dolmen reveals one of the greatest engineering feats of the Neolithic. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 21184. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47423-y
• Yirka, B. & Phys.org. (2023, December 5). Closer look at the Menga dolmen shows it was one of the greatest engineering feats of the Neolithic. Phys.Org; Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2023-12-closer-menga-dolmen-greatest-feats.html