Ever since I heard about the menhir fields of Carnac, Brittany, I have wanted to visit them. Finally, after 30 years, I did.
The mere sight of them is very impressive. Numerous stones are planted in rows that reach as far as the eye can see. They are called Menhirs. “Menhir” comes from the Celtic words “maen” (stone) and “hir” (long).
Each one is carefully placed at the same angle, using the natural shape of the stone to amplify the line-structure that stretches for almost a kilometre. At one end the stones are huge, more than 2 meters high. Further on they gradually drop in size. At the other end of the field where the megaliths reach maybe only 50 centimetres, huge flat stones are placed at a 45 degree angle at the end of each row.
It is generally believed that there was a stone circle (a la Stonehenge) on both sides of the field. There is no sign of those. Do the flat stones placed at 45 degrees mark the end – or the entrance – of the field? Who knows.
Next to the field is the Tumulus de Kercando, an underground burial chamber. The chamber itself has walls that are formed by 2 huge megaliths placed next to each other and a gigantic oval stone `table` on top of them to create a ceiling, the four corners filled up with stones and earth to provide its support. It has an amazing feel to it. Standing there my mind drifts back in time. Who were these people, putting in so much effort to create a room like this, and then cover it all up with earth, placing one megalith on top and one on the east flank to indicate the entrance? It remains a mystery.
Carbon dating shows that both the tumulus and the fields were erected somewhere between 6000 to 4500 years ago. Thus far no one has been able to explain their purpose. Unlike Stonehenge in the UK, archaeological excavations have not turned up any pot shelves or footrests here, to aid historians that are searching to shine a light on this phenomenon. Also all attempts to connect the fields to astronomy, sunrises etc. have been unsuccessful.
At another location a megalith appropriately called The Giant reaches 6,5 meters high. Makes you feel very small standing next to it….
For more pictures visit 2009 Photo Album, and let them speak for themselves.
If you want to read more you can Google ‘Carnac’ or visit http://news.softpedia.com/news/Carnac-The-Most-Expensive-Megalithic-Fields-80548.shtml (I think (s)he means extensive…)
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