The Menga Dolmen: A Marvel of Neolithic Engineering
Over 5,600 years ago, Neolithic engineers constructed the Menga Dolmen in southern Spain, an awe-inspiring megalithic monument that continues to baffle modern scientists. This ancient structure, composed of 32 colossal stones, is significantly more massive than Stonehenge, one of the most renowned Neolithic sites. The largest stone in Menga weighs an astounding 150 metric tons, equivalent to the weight of a blue whale, and the combined weight of all the stones surpasses two fully loaded Boeing 747 jets.
Located on a hilltop approximately 50 meters above the surrounding plain, the Menga Dolmen forms a single-chamber tomb stretching 25 meters in length and 5 meters at its widest point. The monument’s construction, particularly its precision and the sheer size of its stones, has long been a subject of fascination and mystery.
Recent research, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the advanced engineering techniques employed by the Neolithic builders. The study reveals that the stones were meticulously placed, with each block carved to fit perfectly with the others, creating a structure that was both stable and enduring. The upright stones that form the walls were carefully inclined, leaning inward at a consistent angle of 84 to 85 degrees, and were positioned in such a way that they supported one another. This level of precision required tools such as plumb levels and framing squares, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of geometry and engineering.
The construction process involved embedding the upright stones into deep foundation sockets, possibly using counterweights, and then covering the chamber with massive capstones to form the roof. The builders then excavated the bedrock within the chamber to the desired floor level, creating a solid, trapezoid-shaped structure. Finally, the entire monument was covered with a mound of soil, insulating the chamber and adding stability.
The Menga Dolmen’s construction is a testament to the ingenuity and scientific knowledge of Neolithic societies. The builders likely used a quarry located 850 meters away, which was at a higher elevation than the dolmen site, allowing the massive stones to be transported downhill with relative ease. The researchers suggest that the builders designed a trackway or road, embedding timber poles or planks into the ground to minimize friction as they moved the stones using large wooden sledges.
This remarkable feat of engineering highlights the sophisticated knowledge of physics, geology, and geometry possessed by these early societies. The Menga Dolmen stands as a unique example of “creative genius” and early science, challenging modern assumptions about the capabilities of Neolithic peoples. As we continue to study this extraordinary monument, it becomes increasingly clear that the builders of Menga were far more advanced than we have ever imagined, their work standing the test of time as a symbol of human ingenuity and resilience.
