Dolmen des Mureaux

In the charming commune of Les Mureaux, nestled in the Yvelines department of France, lies a hidden gem of prehistoric significance: the Dolmen des Mureaux, also known as the Covered Alley of Gros Murs. This ancient megalithic structure, discovered in 1888, offers a fascinating glimpse into the distant past, where it served as a burial chamber for the early inhabitants of the region.

The Discovery and Excavation

The Dolmen des Mureaux was unearthed quite by accident in 1888 by M. Brault while digging a hole to plant a tree in his garden at 19 rue des Murets. Recognizing its archaeological importance, the site was subsequently excavated in 1889 by René Verneau from the National Museum of Natural History. To preserve its structural integrity, the dolmen was reinforced with concrete pillars in 1895, and by 1920, the landowner had generously donated it to the state. The monument has been officially recognized as a historic monument since 1928, safeguarding its legacy for future generations.

Architectural Marvel

The dolmen stands at an elevation of 25.50 meters on a high point of an alluvial plain, a location that would have been chosen with great care by its builders. The stones used in its construction were transported from an escarpment approximately 4 kilometers away, a remarkable feat considering the era in which it was built. Aligned along a northwest-southeast axis, the entrance of the dolmen opens to the southeast.

The chamber itself measures 9.72 meters in length and varies in width from 2.10 meters to 1.70 meters, with a height ranging from 1.60 meters at the back to 1.55 meters near the entrance. It is enclosed by fifteen sandstone orthostats and a headstone made of puddingstone, all covered by five sandstone or millstone slabs. The floor is paved with limestone slabs, each approximately 0.30 meters wide and 8 to 10 centimeters thick, creating a durable and stable surface.

Intriguing Features

The entrance and antechamber of the dolmen have suffered damage over the centuries, particularly due to the construction of a Roman road. As a result, the original architecture of these sections remains somewhat speculative. Two main theories have been proposed: one suggests a trilithic entrance similar to the Pierre Turquaise, while the other suggests a double-slab entrance with a circular opening. Additionally, an intriguing natural formation on one of the slabs near the entrance features an oval-shaped sandstone nodule with a heart-shaped or breast-shaped pebble embedded in its center. This curious feature may have been intentionally incorporated by the builders to represent the mother goddess.

Archaeological Finds

When the dolmen was first excavated, it was found to be completely buried, with the chamber filled with skeletal remains arranged in irregular layers, sometimes separated by paving stones. Dr. Verneau estimated that at least sixty individuals had been interred here, their bones mingled with infiltrated soil. Analysis of the long bones indicated that the average height of the men was 1.638 meters and that of the women was 1.543 meters. Some skull fragments showed signs of trepanation, with evidence of healing in some cases.

The funerary artifacts discovered within the dolmen, now housed in the Museum of Man, include a variety of flint tools such as seven polished axes, two Grand Pressigny blades, three cutting arrows, two scrapers, and numerous flint fragments. Decorative items include a schist pendant, perforated shells, and stones, while bone tools comprise twelve awls and a tool made from a deer antler. Ceramic finds include three complete flowerpot-type vases, fragments of bell-shaped vases, and decorated sherds. A copper dagger was also found, though its discovery circumstances suggest it may have been added later.

Visiting the Dolmen des Mureaux

Today, the Dolmen des Mureaux stands as a testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors. Visitors to Les Mureaux can explore this ancient site and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here. The dolmen is not only an archaeological treasure but also a symbol of the enduring human spirit and our quest to connect with the past.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply curious about the ancient world, a visit to the Dolmen des Mureaux offers a unique and enriching experience. As you stand before this ancient monument, you'll be transported back in time, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history that has shaped our world.