Menhir

Theories concerning their purpose remain speculative, with hypotheses ranging from druidic rituals to territorial markers or elements of an ideological system.

Some menhirs feature engravings, including anthropomorphic figures and symbols, and are often associated with ancient religious ceremonies and burial chambers.

The introduction of the word into general archaeological usage has been attributed to the 18th-century French military officer Théophile Corret de la Tour d'Auvergne.

It is known, however, that they buried their dead and had the skills to grow crops, farm and make pottery, stone tools and jewelry.

However, recent research into the age of megaliths in Brittany strongly suggests a far older origin, perhaps back to six to seven thousand years ago.

Other common carvings are identified as images of stone axes, ploughs, shepherds' crooks, and yokes; and are named after these motifs.

[12][13] It is believed that practitioners of megalithic religions travelled via the sea, as the mass majority of menhirs are located on coasts, islands, and peninsulas.

[14] The French comic book series Asterix features the character Obelix, who is known for carrying menhirs, as a sculptor and deliveryman.