| Megalithic tombs in Haldensleben Forest | |
| Map Type: | Germany |
| Map Size: | 200 |
| Coordinates: | 52.2752°N 11.3836°W |
| Epochs: | Neolithic c. 3500 to 3000 BC |
The Megalithic tombs in Haldensleben Forest are a group of more than 80 megalithic tombs of the Neolithic Age, near Haldensleben, about north-west of Magdeburg, in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
The group of Neolithic graves in the forest south-west of Haldensleben is the largest concentration of megalithic tombs in central Europe. In an area of about 5 by 5 kilometres, there are more than 80 graves, some in good condition. The location of about 50 more graves are known; some have been destroyed, or consist of one stone or loosely scattered stones.[1] [2] [3] [4]
They date from the period 3500 to 3000 BC, and are in recognizable groups. They are mostly passage graves, built from granite boulders. The burial chambers are aligned east–west.[1] [3]
Three graves are of particular interest:[4]
At the Küchentannen ("kitchen fir trees") at 52.2716°N 11.3432°W there is a reconstructed, enclosed passage grave.[5]
The Kaisergrab ("king's grave") at 52.2746°N 11.3455°W has an almost completely preserved burial chamber and surrounding setting of stones.[6]
The Teufelsküche ("devil's kitchen") at 52.2752°N 11.3838°W has a well-preserved passage grave with two capstones and eight supporting stones.[7]