Krajobrazy megalityczne. Próba zdefiniowania pojęcia i umiejscowienia w typologiach krajobrazu

Abstract

Megalithic monuments are one of the oldest cultural elements in Europe. Through their monumental form, megaliths have been a distinctive element of the landscape for the millennia of their existence. The aim of this article is to prove that the particular material and non-material features of the space characterized by the presence of megaliths can determine the delimitation of the megalithic landscape type in the existing classifications. To define the concept of the „megalithic landscape”, a physiognomic-perceptual approach was adopted. The general characteristics in terms of cultural, natural, spatial and non-material values are presented. The megalithic landscape was located in selected landscape typologies and the author’s own definition of the megalithic landscape was proposed. The megalithic landscape was considered to be a subtype of archaeological (historical criterion), sacral (functional criterion) and natural-cultural landscape (in terms of anthropogenic transformations). It is characterized by a specific physiognomy with its own landscape form and unique non-material features and particular genius loci related to the historical (sepulchral, temple, social, astronomical, magical) and current (esoteric, tourist) function of monuments. The presentation of the characteristics of the megalithic landscape and the typological location given in the article provide a basis for further discussion and research on the importance, risk assessment and protection of current megalithic landscapes.