Standing Stones (Menhir) are individual tall, upright stones found throughout the world, with most in Ireland, Great Britain, Brittany, and France. These mysterious remnants are representative of yet another culture lost to the modern world.
The giant stones haunt pastures and hillsides around the world. A vast number of standing stones remain in their original positions of circle, henge, horseshoe, or oval configurations. In his book Before Atlantis, Frank Joseph states that 50,000 menhirs are remaining in Ireland, Great Britain, and Brittany, and that France boasts 1,200. The massive stones range from 10 feet to 30 feet in height and are typically squared and uneven, with the tops generally tapered.
Recent research estimates that many of the stones were set 6,000 to 7,000 years ago. Some Celtic stones depict various iconic carvings of animals, objects, and Celtic knots. Some researchers speculate that the stones were sacred Druid ceremonial structures. Others believe the stones were territorial markers or calendars.