Dolmen Creu Cobertella with ancient Cupules Petroglyphs

The Dolmen of Creu d'en Cobertella (also known as Dolmen Creu Cobertella) is an ancient megalithic site located near Rosés, in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. This prehistoric structure is one of the most significant and largest dolmens in the area, dating back to the Neolithic period, approximately 3000 to 2700 BCE.
The text on the sign marker for this site in Catalan roughly translates to:
(3500-3000 BC - Late Neolithic)
The name of this dolmen translates to Runner's grave that is documented for the first time in 1912. Preserved inside a farmhouse, from which it takes its name, the domain was used as a corral until the farm was abandoned. In 1957 archaeologists Francesc Riuró carried out an excavation and restoration campaign for the megalith which provided information about the corridor and the great mound that surrounded it. The construction of the dolmen is between 3500 and 3000 BC!
The dolmen consists of large vertical stone slabs, forming a chamber covered by a massive horizontal capstone. The chamber, which once served as a burial site, is rectangular in shape and measures around 5 meters in length and 2 meters in width. The stones used in its construction are impressive in size, with the capstone alone weighing several tons. The entrance or way in is pointing due north, while coming out of the dolmen goes in the direction of south.
Within the interior of the dolmen are 6 or 7 cups carved on the side of a slab of granite. These form something like a triangle. As far as petroglyphs go, these are official know as Cupules. Cupules are extremely ancient and some of the oldest forms of rock art knonw to man. These were carved on the east facing wall of this amazing dolmen. Cupules are small, round depressions or cup-like marks carved into the surface of rocks, typically by ancient peoples. These petroglyphs are among the oldest forms of rock art, found in many cultures worldwide, dating back tens of thousands of years. While their exact purpose remains a topic of debate among archaeologists, cupules are thought to have held significant cultural or ritualistic meanings. They may have been used in fertility rites, as markers of territory, or as part of spiritual or astronomical practices. The precise methods and tools used to create cupules also highlight the advanced craftsmanship of early human societies.
The cupules carved into the stones of Dolmen Creu Cobertella are particularly intriguing. These small, round depressions are often found on the horizontal surfaces of the stones, especially on the capstone and the larger slabs that make up the dolmen. Their presence suggests that they had symbolic or ritual significance, possibly related to the burial practices or the spiritual beliefs of the people who built the dolmen. The cupules at Dolmen Creu Cobertella add to the site's mystique, offering a glimpse into the complex and sophisticated world of the Neolithic people who inhabited the region. While their exact meaning remains a subject of study, these markings contribute to our understanding of the spiritual and cultural life of prehistoric societies. More info: www.artslookup...
Set within a scenic landscape of Mediterranean scrub and rocky terrain, the Dolmen of Creu d'en Cobertella is surrounded by low hills and offers a glimpse into the early human activity in the region. The site is not only significant for its historical and archaeological value but also for its aesthetic presence, standing as a testament to the ingenuity and effort of the prehistoric communities that once inhabited this region. There are several other ancient sites and megaliths in this area.
The megalithic monuments show that the history of the population in this area goes back thousands of years. The larger hike includes different prehistoric funerary spaces and cultural expressions of the Neolithic era that took place during prehistory and were carried out by the small farming communities that settled here. On the other hand, on these routes, the presence of dry stone constructions is also noteworthy, a heritage generated from the agricultural work of the ancient settlers that can be observed throughout this walk.
#Megaliths #Dolmens #Petroglyphs
Visitors to the dolmen can appreciate its scale and craftsmanship while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. The site is part of a larger cultural and historical trail in the area, which includes other megalithic monuments and archaeological sites. A video on Dolmen Creu Cobertella in Rosés, Spain!

[@Brother_D_therail]

Hello David 👋. Very interesting video my friend, you know how I love this kind of stuff! Thanks for taking me along to places I'll never get to see in person.
I like that kind of country too, reminiscent of places in Nevada and Southern California. Also, a very cute doggie 🐕 you have there! ✝️

[@pijnacker01]

Hi Dick, our pleasure. Indeed, Spain is very similar to Nevada and California. Very hot too! What’s cool about this warm drier climates is that the ancient history is better preserved, such as these dolmens and megaliths.

[@lewis45acp]

Seeing these structures, constructed with nothing more than elbow grease and will power boggles my mind. The expenditure of time and energy, whether in man hours or simple calories during an era when both were surely not in abundance, for something that would not be of continual communal benefit must mean that these people had a strong and complex culture and society, even if no other evidence of such remains.
Always love watching your adventures exploring these sites.

[@pijnacker01]

Well said! Exactly what I’m thinking when I see these places. I’m quite certain we’re missing a piece of their puzzle, for there was a lot more going on then many think.
Knowledge is power. Faith is freedom. They seemed to have both, in their own ways.

[@cindyc]

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