What are Carnac stones?
Q: What are Carnac stones?
A: The Carnac stones are the largest collection of megalithic standing stones in the world. They were cut from local rock and erected by pre-Celtic people of Brittany during the Neolithic period, probably around 3300 BC.
Q: Where are they located?
A: The Carnac stones occur in a number of Neolithic sites around the French village of Carnac, in Brittany.
Q: How old are they?
A: The stones were erected at some stage during the Neolithic period, probably around 3300 BC, but some may be as old as 4500 BC.
Q: What do the sites include?
A: The sites include rows of stones (alignments), dolmens, tumuli and single menhirs.
Q: How have they been treated in recent centuries?
A: In recent centuries, many of the sites have been neglected with reports of dolmens being used as sheep shelters, chicken sheds or even ovens. Stones have also been removed to make way for roads or used as building materials.
Q: What is controversial about these sites?
A: The management of these sites is a controversial topic due to their neglect and use for other purposes in recent centuries.
Q: Are there any efforts to protect them?
A: Yes, there are efforts to protect them such as conservation projects and campaigns to raise awareness about their importance.
