Dampsmesnil gallery grave, Prehistoric burial site in Dampsmesnil, France.
The Dampsmesnil gallery grave is a Neolithic stone burial structure with a central passage flanked by vertical stone walls and capped with flat stone slabs forming the roof. The entire structure is built from large rock blocks fitted together without mortar.
The burial structure originates from the Neolithic period and received official recognition as a historical monument in 1907. This designation ensured its preservation for archaeological study and public access.
The burial chamber shows how Neolithic communities honored their dead by placing family members together in a shared space. These collective graves were central to how early societies maintained bonds across generations.
The burial site lies in a rural area and can be reached via the CD 170 road near the woodlands of Cocagne. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and the area has natural terrain.
Neolithic builders created this structure without mortar or modern tools by carefully shaping and fitting stones together with remarkable precision. The technical skill of these ancient craftspeople remains visible in how firmly the stones hold together.
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