Megaliths as the oldest preserved monuments in Europe

Megaliths, among the oldest preserved monuments in Europe, serve as profound indicators of ancient societies' technical prowess and cultural significance. These structures, including notable complexes like Stonehenge, Carnac stones, and the Treasury of Atreus, reveal advanced engineering capabilities, social organization, and deep astronomical knowledge tied to solar and lunar cycles. Megaliths functioned as religious sites, tombs for elites, and communal gathering places, playing pivotal roles in shaping collective identity and national pride. Beyond their historical value, they bolster local economies through tourism while facing critical preservation challenges from natural degradation and human activity. This study underscores the dual importance of megaliths—both as symbols of cultural heritage and economic assets—highlighting urgent conservation needs to safeguard these irreplaceable landmarks for future generations.

(Ed.). (2025). Megaliths as the oldest preserved monuments in Europe. Interdisciplinary Cultural and Humanities Review, 28–36. https://doi.org/10.59214/cultural/1.2025.28