Bronze Age Dolmen | Zebbug

A Bronze Age Dolmen refers to a type of megalithic structure that was built during the Bronze Age (approximately 2300–700 BCE), although some examples may date back to earlier periods such as the Neolithic. Dolmens are typically associated with the burial practices of ancient societies, particularly in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, and parts of Asia.

A dolmen consists of large upright stones, often referred to as orthostats, with one or more large horizontal stones placed on top to form a chamber. These structures were likely used as tombs, although their exact function can vary based on the site and cultural context.

Key Features of Bronze Age Dolmens:

Upright Stones (Orthostats): Dolmens typically feature large vertical stones standing upright, creating the walls of the chamber.

Capstone (Lid): A large horizontal stone, often called a capstone or roofstone, rests on top of the upright stones. This creates the covered burial chamber, sometimes referred to as a "dolmen house."

Megalithic Construction: The stones used in dolmens are usually large and heavy, sometimes weighing several tons. These stones were either quarried locally or transported from great distances, showing the effort and skill involved in constructing these structures.

Tomb or Burial Chamber: Dolmens are thought to have been used primarily as burial tombs, where the deceased were placed along with grave goods. Some dolmens have evidence of human remains or artifacts that suggest ritualistic purposes.

Passage Tombs: Some dolmens are part of larger burial mounds or tumuli, and they can include a passageway leading to the chamber, although many are simpler in design.

Orientation and Ritual Significance: Dolmens may be oriented in specific directions, potentially aligned with the sun, lunar cycles, or celestial events. This has led some researchers to propose that dolmens had astronomical or ritual significance beyond their use as tombs.

Geographic Distribution:

Malta: Malta is famous for its prehistoric megalithic sites, including Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien Temples, which date to the Neolithic period, but dolmens are also found in Malta, though they are fewer in number.

France: Dolmens are found throughout France, particularly in regions like Brittany, where they are scattered across the landscape.

Ireland: Numerous dolmens, such as the Poulnabrone Dolmen in County Clare, are found in Ireland and are believed to be tombs dating to the Bronze Age or earlier.

United Kingdom: Dolmens can be found in parts of Wales and Cornwall.

Spain: In Spain, especially in regions such as Andalusia, there are also significant dolmen fields.

South Korea: Notably, the Goindol (Korean Dolmen) sites in the Gyeongju area are famous Bronze Age megalithic burial sites.

Functions of Dolmens:

Burial Sites: Dolmens are often interpreted as burial chambers where the dead were placed with grave goods. The practice of placing offerings, including tools, pottery, and sometimes jewelry, indicates ritualistic significance.

Rituals and Ceremonies: Many dolmens may have had a broader role in rituals, possibly as centers for ancestor worship, funerary rites, or as places of communal gatherings for the living to honor the deceased.

Astronomical Alignments: In some cases, dolmens may have been used to mark important astronomical events, such as solstices or equinoxes, though this theory is still debated among archaeologists.

Bronze Age Dolmens in Malta:

In Malta, dolmens, while less common than the island's renowned temple complexes, do exist and can be found in various locations. The Dolmen of Clapham Junction, located near Siggiewi in the southwest of Malta, is one of the most famous and accessible examples of a Bronze Age dolmen.

• Clapham Junction Dolmen: This site consists of large upright stones and a massive capstone. It is believed to date to the Bronze Age, though it may have been built by earlier prehistoric cultures. The dolmen has been partially reconstructed and is now a protected site. Despite its name, it is not related to any rail junction, but instead, the name refers to the place where several dolmens can be found clustered together.

Conclusion:

Bronze Age dolmens are remarkable archaeological features that offer insight into the funerary practices and cultural traditions of ancient societies. These megalithic structures were likely important for both religious and practical purposes, serving as tombs, ritual centers, or astronomical markers. In places like Malta, they add to the rich tapestry of prehistoric monuments that continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike.