Dolmens, standing stones and ritual in Murayghat

Abstract

The site of Murayghat is characterized by its dolmen fields and standing stone structures, suggesting a non-domestic, cultic use. The dolmens, hypothesized to be burial sites, show parallels with other Early Bronze Age sites like Mount Nebo and Jebel Mutawwaq. The socio-political context of the Early Bronze Age IA indicates a shift from the Chalcolithic period’s socio-economic systems, marked by the decline of large settlements and changes in trade and social organization. The construction of visible burial monuments and the transformation of the natural landscape into an anthropogenic one reflect the community’s efforts to adapt to new socio-political realities and deal with the critical situation. The site possibly served as a ceremonial meeting place for regional groups, facilitating discussions and organization in a society undergoing significant transformation.