Dolmen of Menga built in advanced knowledge of science in Neolithic Age: Research

By Ayse Irem Tiryaki

ANKARA (AA) – Researchers said that people in the Neolithic Age had a good basic understanding of physics, geometry, geology and architecture after they examined the Dolmen of Menga site in southern Spain.

The Dolmen of Menga, which has successfully stood on its feet for almost 6,000 years, is located at the heart of Andalusia.

The examination was conducted using data obtained from high-resolution laser scanning as well as unpublished photographs and diagrams from previous excavations, according to Science Advances journal.

“The incorporation of advanced knowledge in the fields of geology, physics, geometry, and astronomy shows that Menga represents not only a feat of early engineering but also a substantial step in the advancement of human science, reflecting the accumulation of advanced knowledge,” the journal said.

Underlining that the massive stones were carefully transferred to the site, the researchers said wooden rails may have been used for the transportation of the stones.

“You see that these people knew about physics, friction, angles. They knew about geology. They knew the properties of the rocks, they knew about geometry," said Garcia Sanjuan, one of the researchers.

“If any engineer today tried to build Menga with the resources that existed 6,000 years ago, I don’t think they could do it,” he added.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Gozde Bayar

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