Dozens of ancient standing stones in southwest France have been bulldozed to make room for yet another retail outlet of a nationwide chain selling DIY products, triggering uproar among locals.
The historic site of Montauban “has been destroyed,” with at least 39 megalithic stones, some estimated to be around 7,000 years old, lost, local archaeologist Christian Obeltz told media this week.
The French commune of Carnac is famous for thousands of so-called menhirs – standing stones erected by neolithic people for purposes that still remain a mystery. However, unlike the area’s main tourist attractions of Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan, which are part of a UNESCO list of world heritage sites – the set of stones in Montauban, just 1.5 kilometers away, has little historic value, according to local officials.
Dozens of ancient standing stones in southwest France have been bulldozed to make room for yet another retail outlet of a nationwide chain selling DIY products, triggering uproar among locals.
The historic site of Montauban “has been destroyed,” with at least 39 megalithic stones, some estimated to be around 7,000 years old, lost, local archaeologist Christian Obeltz told media this week.
- The French commune of Carnac is famous for thousands of so-called menhirs – standing stones erected by neolithic people for purposes that still remain a mystery. However, unlike the area’s main tourist attractions of Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan, which are part of a UNESCO list of world heritage sites – the set of stones in Montauban, just 1.5 kilometers away, has little historic value, according to local officials.
Here’s a Carnac tourist map I had which shows how close Montauban (mid right) is to some of the visible megalithic alignments. There may well be more buried that we don’t know about https://t.co/xH48SYX8EZ pic.twitter.com/2pv3WU4zIR
— The Megalithic Portal Ancient Sites & Stones (@megportal) June 10, 2023
Clach Mhor Standing Stone above the causeway that leads from Bereray to North Uist earlier today. #Hebrides #megalithic pic.twitter.com/eULBQid90e
— Carolyn Kennett (@CarolynKennett) June 10, 2023
Source: RT
Header: FILE PHOTO: Megalithic standing stones in Carnac, France © AP / Franck Prevel