Types of Megaliths
Megaliths are large rock structures built in the past. The types of Megaliths are:
Menhir
It is mostly used for the structures present in western Europe which were built in Prehistoric times. They mostly consist of a single stone. It is also called the Standing Stone structure.
Example: Dry tree menhir at Goonhilly Downs, Cornwall
Capstone
This was used to describe the structures that were built horizontally. It mostly consisted of a single stone placed horizontally. It is believed that they were laid over the burial chambers. This does not contain any supporting stones.
Dolmen
It is a huge rock that was placed horizontally with smaller rocks below it to support the structure. It can also be called a stone table. Example: Dolmen in Sumatra Indonesia
Monolith
It is a general term used for any single stone structure that was built in prehistoric times.
Cist
It is a small stone structure shaped like a box. It was mainly used for holding dead bodies. It is a coffin-like structure made up of several small stones. They are mostly present underground. It has many similarities to a Dolman.
Stone Circle
As the name suggests it consists of several stones placed in a huge circle.
Alignments
It consists of multiple stones placed at a particular distance from each other to form a pattern. It is mostly present in rows or spiral shapes. Many such arrangements are found in France.
Definition, Types, and Megaliths in India
Megalith can be defined as a large stone that is used to build a prehistoric structure. Generally, it refers to a single rock but the term can even be used for the collection of rocks. They are located in huge numbers around the world. The last recorded number in Europe alone is 35,000.