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When were the Carnac rows raised?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·4 answers·0·0 following
Most likely: the rows were raised in the fifth millennium BC, from about 4670 to 4250 cal BC, in stages over about three…Ahead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

Where it stands

Four answers have been proposed. The rows were raised in the fifth millennium BC, from about 4670 to 4250 cal BC, in stages over about three… leads, with evidence 2 for, 1 against: supported by its tests. Three are still possible. Of the one narrower question under it, none is answered yet.

Why it matters

Without dates the rows could not be placed in the sequence of European megaliths or tied to the tombs around them; Le Plasker gives the first modelled chronology for any section⁠[1]⁠[2].

Answers 4

Evidence: 2 for, 1 against
Most likely
None of these.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: none yet
Still possible
Evidence: 1 for, 1 against
Still possible
Evidence: 1 for
Still possible

History

  1. Blanchard et al. puts forward: the rows were raised in the fifth millennium BC, from about 4670 to 4250 cal BC, in stages over about three…
  2. UNESCO World Heritage Committee puts forward: the main surviving rows belong mostly to the later Neolithic, after 4000 BC.
  3. Blanchard et al. puts forward: standing stones at Carnac began with late hunter-gatherers before 5000 BC.
  4. Blanchard et al.: le Plasker is a lost section 2 km from the surviving rows; no row at Le Ménec, Kermario or Kerlescan is yet…Against: The rows were raised in the fifth millennium BC, from about 4670 to 4250 cal BC, in stages over about three…
  5. Blanchard et al.: nine foundation pits at Le Plasker date to 4668–4368 cal BC and a last stone to 4372–4249 cal BC (95.4%).For: The rows were raised in the fifth millennium BC, from about 4670 to 4250 cal BC, in stages over about three…
  6. UNESCO World Heritage Committee: the World Heritage property's monuments span about 5000 to 2300 BCE, so later building in the complex is…For: The main surviving rows belong mostly to the later Neolithic, after 4000 BC.
  7. Blanchard et al.: a 300-year gap separates the Mesolithic phases from the first Neolithic building; the rows begin after 4670…Against: Standing stones at Carnac began with late hunter-gatherers before 5000 BC.
  8. Blanchard et al.: three small monoliths stand beside the Late Mesolithic hut at Le Plasker, set before the later cairn.For: Standing stones at Carnac began with late hunter-gatherers before 5000 BC.
  9. Asked on this site
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