The Antequera Dolmens in Malaga, Spain
It consists of three large megalithic structures known as dolmens, which are tombs made of huge stone blocks. These dolmens were built around 5,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period, and they are considered to be some of the oldest and most impressive monuments in the world. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 because of its historical significance and the incredible engineering skills required to build these structures.
Dolman-Antequera in Malaga, Spain
The dolmens at Antequera were used as burial sites by the ancient people who lived in the area. The largest of the three, the "Dolmen of Menga," is made up of massive stone slabs, with a huge capstone that weighs over 180 tons. These tombs were typically used to bury important members of the community, and the people of that time likely believed that the dolmens were a way to honor their dead and connect them to the spiritual world. The use of such large stones shows the skill and organization of the people who built them, as they had to transport these heavy blocks without modern tools.
The Antequera Dolmens also have a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. One of the most fascinating features of the site is that the dolmens are aligned with certain natural landmarks, such as the nearby mountains. This suggests that the people who built the dolmens had a strong connection to the land and possibly used these natural features for religious or ceremonial purposes. The site also has an astronomical significance, as it is believed that certain celestial events, like the sunrise or sunset, could be observed from the dolmens, linking the structures to the cycles of nature and the changing seasons.
The historic meaning of the Antequera Dolmens to the people of that time likely went beyond just being burial sites. These structures may have had a central role in the community’s social and spiritual life, possibly serving as places of worship or as symbols of power and status. The dolmens are a testament to the advanced knowledge and planning of ancient people, and they give us a glimpse into how they understood the world around them. Today, the Antequera Dolmens stand as a remarkable reminder of the ingenuity and cultural significance of prehistoric societies in southern Spain.
