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Cromlech of Mendiluze

The Cromlech of Mendiluze is an ancient megalithic structure located on the slopes of the Entzia mountain range in the province of Araba. This prehistoric site is part of a larger network of megalithic monuments scattered across the Basque Country, reflecting the region’s ancient history and cultural significance.

Constructed during the Late Neolithic or the Bronze Age (approximately 2,500–1,000 BCE), the crómlech, or stone circle, was likely used for funerary or ritual purposes. It consists of an arrangement of upright stones forming a circular or oval structure, which served as a burial site for the community. The crómlech’s central area was often used to house the remains of the deceased, typically accompanied by grave goods such as pottery or tools, signifying the cultural and spiritual practices of the time.

The Cromlech of Mendiluze is notable for its relatively well-preserved condition and the strategic location chosen for its construction. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1000 meters, the site offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, which may have held symbolic or practical importance for the people who built it. Its position near other megalithic monuments suggests that the area was a significant cultural and ritual hub in prehistoric times.

Archaeological studies of the site have revealed insights into the burial practices, social organization, and spiritual beliefs of the communities that inhabited the region during the prehistoric era. The crómlech also reflects the technological skills and astronomical knowledge of its builders, as many megalithic structures are aligned with celestial events such as solstices or equinoxes.

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