Distribution, architectural design and functionality of megalithic structures of the Lake Eyasi Basin in northern Tanzania

Abstract

We examined megalithic structures in the Lake Eyasi Basin of northern Tanzania to establish the provenance of the construction materials, understand the reasons for the use of particular raw material options and means of transport, as well as to identify the group or groups of people associated with their creation. The findings suggest that the megalithic culture in the Lake Eyasi Basin reflects ancient cultural advancements, ingenuity, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance. These megaliths, which appear in the form of dolmens, stone circles, or burial cairns, serve as enduring markers of bygone eras. They leave an unforgettable imprint on the landscape and our understanding of human history by cultivating a sense of curiosity about the societies that erected them. Therefore, the megaliths in the basin serve as tangible evidence of the builders’ technical capabilities while also providing insight into their social organisation, daily practices, and belief systems. However, the precise purpose behind their construction, whether spiritual, astronomical, or commemorative, and the people who constructed them, continue to be a subject of scholarly debate and exploration.