Cromlech
From Free net encyclopedia
Cromlech is a Brythonic word (Breton/Welsh) used to describe prehistoric megalithic structures, where crom means "bent" and llech means "flagstone". The term is now virtually obsolete in archaeology but remains in use as a colloquial term for two different types of megalithic monument. Image:Comlech.jpg In English it usually refers to dolmens, the remains of prehistoric stone chamber tombs. However it is widely used in French to describe stone circles. Confusingly, some Anglophone archaeologists such as Aubrey Burl use this second meaning for cromlech in English too.
Furthermore, it is occasionally used to describe more complex examples of megalithic architecture, such as the Almendres Cromlech in Portugal.
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