Megalithic Mythic: The Great Stone

Megalithic. What does it mean? What is it? What does the word bring to mind, if anything? The term megalithic comes from the Ancient Greek, and literally translates to “great stone.” While “great stone” is certainly an accurate and literal depiction of the term, one must truly see a megalithic monument with their own eyes to really understand and appreciate the beauty and intensity of such a creation. Such a historical work of art. While you may or may not be accustomed to the term, “Megalithic,” there's a good chance that you've probably heard of one of the most well known Megalithic monument in history, and that's Stonehenge. Stonehenge, which is located in the English county of Wilshire, and is believed to be created anywhere from
Brú na Bóinne, which means the ‘palace’ or the ‘mansion’, refers to the area within the bend of the River Boyne which contains one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. Believed to be built some 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, the Brú na Bóinne contains the largest assemblage of Megalithic art in Europe. It is believed that the initial construction of this site began around 3300 BC, and evidence suggests that during this time, the area had developed into an open farmland, which was scattered with domestic houses and buildings. With over 40 different passage tombs, the Brú na Bóinne reflects a society where rituals and ceremonies were of great importance. Not only were these tombs built with obvious care, but they also showed a great deal of sophistication, both in architecture, engineering, astronomy and artistic endeavor. This large kidney shaped mound, which covers an area of over one acre, not only shows the importance of honoring those who died, but also shows how important art and creation was to this society, as many of the curbstones are richly decorated with megalithic
Poulnabrone Dolmen, meaning "hole of the quern stones” in irish, is a portal tomb which dates all the way back to the neolithic period, probably between 4200 BC to 2900 BC. The Pulnabrone Portal is one of the most photographed megalithic monuments in Ireland, both because of it's beauty, and because it's easily accessed from the main road. With the actual chamber being 8ft by 4ft in size, and the capstone 12 by 7, the Poulnabrone Dolmen is a site to see. Not only is it a site to see, but it's also the home of some newer and more recent discoveries which have been made by