Megaliths of the World
Luc Laporte editor Chris Scarre editor Jean-Marc Large editor Laurent Nespoulous editor Tara Steimer-Herbet editor
Format:Set / collection
Publisher:Archaeopress
Published:22nd Aug '22
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Megaliths of the World brings together the latest research on megalithic monuments throughout the world. Many of these sites are well known, others less familiar, yet equally deserving of close attention. Megalithic monuments in different regions of the world are far from being a single unified phenomenon, having varied chronologies, and diverse origins, but they all share a certain family resemblance through their common characteristic: the deployment of large stones. No fewer than 150 researchers have contributed 72 articles and inserts, providing a vital region-by region account of the megalithic monuments in their specialist areas, and the current state of knowledge.
The insights offered in these volumes emphasize the particular character and significance of these apparently inanimate stones. The use of such large blocks must surely have been an expression of power or prestige, yet the size and materiality of the stones themselves opens up new perspectives into the meaning and symbolism of these monuments, the places from which the blocks were derived, and the way they were manipulated and shaped.
Megaliths of the World takes the reader on a fascinating journey, offering new insights through encounters with megaliths and megalithic traditions that will often be new and unfamiliar. Highlighting salient themes, it provides a compendium of detailed information that will be vital to anyone interested in the phenomenon of megalithic monumentality.
‘It becomes evident by this very brief review that these 1400-page volumes offer, quite literally, a tour through the world of megaliths, demonstrating the sheer diversity of the phenomenon, in stylistic/architectural, socioeconomic, and ontological terms, as well as disseminating some exciting new data and extremely useful overviews. I will definitely use these volumes for my teaching and research, as they offer excellent entry points to further explore megalithic phenomena from across the world, and help put regional phenomena in broader perspective.’ – Marta Díaz-Guardamino (2023): European Journal of Archaeology 26
'This publication, presented in full colour, will appeal to anyone interested in understanding the grammar of architectural design and the role monuments played in the ritual activity of people who are, really, not so different from us.' – George Nash (2024): Current World Archaeology 122
ISBN: 9781803273204
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 5222g
1428 pages