A megalith is a large stone which has been used to construct a structure or monument either alone or with other stones. Megalithic means a building or structure made of such stones, but without the use of mortar or cement. The term can be used to describe buildings erected bypeople from many parts of the world living in many different periods. In Western Europe and the Mediterranean it genreally refers to constructions erected during the Neolithic or late stone age and Chalcolithic or Copper Age (4500 - 1500 B.C.E).
Different megalithic structures include:
Perhaps the most famous megalithic structure is Stonehenge in England, although many others are known throughout the world.
Many megaliths were thought to have a purpose in determining important astronomical events such as the solstice and equinox dates (see archaeoastronomy).
Other megaliths include: