Cromlech vs. Dolmen — What's the Difference?

Cromlechs, also known as stone circles, are prehistoric structures that consist of a circle of standing stones. These monuments are found across various parts of the world, including Western Europe, and are believed to have been used for ceremonial or ritualistic purposes, such as marking astronomical events. Dolmens, on the other hand, are ancient megalithic tombs that consist of large flat stones laid on upright ones, often found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are believed to have served as burial sites, with the capstone creating a chamber used to house the deceased.

The primary function of cromlechs is thought to be related to social or religious activities, possibly involving astronomy, as some align with solar and lunar events. Dolmens, with their tomb-like structure, had a clear purpose in the burial practices of Neolithic societies, indicating a reverence and possibly beliefs in an afterlife or the importance of ancestors.

Cromlechs are often found in landscapes with other megalithic structures, suggesting they were part of a broader cultural and religious context. Dolmens, while also found within diverse megalithic landscapes, are more specifically associated with funerary practices, often located in places that suggest a strategic choice for burial, such as near settlements or along routes.

The construction of cromlechs involves a significant effort in transporting and erecting large stones in a circular pattern, which implies a strong community effort and possibly a sophisticated understanding of engineering and astronomy. Dolmens, although simpler in concept, require a similar level of engineering skill to balance the heavy capstone atop the upright supports, demonstrating the technological capabilities of their builders.

Both cromlechs and dolmens reflect the complex social, spiritual, and technological worlds of their builders. Cromlechs, with their open, circular layouts, might have served as gathering places for communal activities, while dolmens, with their enclosed spaces, served more private or familial roles in honoring the dead.