Megaliths+of+Evora

Megaliths, Megaliths, Megaliths!!!! If seeing a bunch of stones stacked, set, built, carved, and erected is your thing, than Evora is the place for you. There are so many different types of stone structures around Evora that it seems as though you transport back in time to the stone age every time you visit. Dating back to the Neolithic age, the dolmens, cromelchs, and caves have a somewhat unknown purpose. Many believe they are ancient burials and even some think they are connected to the calendar. The most famous of these kinds of structures can be seen in England -- Stonehenge. Make no mistake, the stone structures found in and around Evora are breathtaking.

Spain has quiet a lot of dolmens, but none more famous than Zambujeiro. This passage way is known for having the biggest stones in all Europe. The purpose of this ancient stone building is unknown. Each huge stone weighs over a ton and there are seven of them! The seven stones surround a main chamber. On top of the chamber would set a massive cap stone. The cap stone is twice as big as the six that surround the main room of the passage. Today the cap stones remains a few meters away broken and atop the mound. The mound that sits just behind the dolmen is believed by archaeologists to have once cover the actual dolmen. The unique thing about these dolmens are that we don't really have a good understanding of their purpose. Inside of Zambujeiro they have found ancient pottery, tools, and even flints but they haven't found any signs of bones. Making a mystery out of this "house". Dolmens around the world have been connected to the solstice and some to burial tombs. I wonder what this one was used for?
 * Dolmens:**

Cromeleque, or cromlech, means stones standing up for no apparent reason around a circle like design on top of a hill which seems to have no significant purpose. There are several different types of cromeleque around Europe. The structure at Almendres is well defined. The stones sit in a oval shape almost in a circle pattern. It is believed to be constructed around 5,000 BC during the neolithic age. Thought to be one of mankind's oldest monuments, the site was once constructed with over a hundred stones. Some of these stones have been taken away for uses in other structures. Today, this site is believed to be linked to the stars. A few of the stones have markings on them with that are not understandable. The stone age markings appear to be random geometric shapes. Some believe that they are symbols of different astronomical events. One of the most widely accepted ideas is that the stones mark the changes in the moon. From the new moon to the full moon.
 * Cromeleque:**

I told you that Evora resembled a time warp. Near the cromeleques site rests many different caves. Escoural Cave is by far the oldest known evidence of neolithic man in and around Evora. The cave wasn't discovered until the 1960's by accident. The caves were stumbled upon while looking for stone to quarry, once inside a new treasure was found. Escoural cave is the only karst cave with paintings and engravings on the ceiling! Unfortunately, the cave is now closed to the public and can only be visited by appointment. The cave is located near the Tagus river basins, the Sado River, and the plains region of Alentejo. It is said that Neanderthal hunter-gatherers used the cave as a shelter when hunting. Dating back over 10,000 years, cave art within the tunnels is astounding. Some paintings have even been dated back as far as 25,000BC!!!! This would be the oldest thing that TAP has ever seen.
 * Caves:**