The Tumulus of Bougon, also known as the Necropolis of Bougon, is a group of prehistoric burial mounds located near the village of Bougon in western France. The site is situated in the department of Deux-Sèvres, in the Poitou-Charentes region. The tumuli are among the earliest and best-preserved examples of megalithic burial structures in France, dating back to the Neolithic period.

Key features and information about the Tumulus of Bougon:

1. Location:
   • The Tumulus of Bougon is located near the village of Bougon in the Deux-Sèvres department of western France. It is part of a larger complex that includes several burial mounds.
2. Construction Date:
   • The tumuli at Bougon were constructed during the Neolithic period, approximately between 4700 and 3800 BCE. They belong to a time when early agricultural communities were establishing settled lifestyles.
3. Number of Tumuli:
   • The site consists of five tumuli, labeled Tumulus A to E. Each tumulus has its own unique characteristics and features.
4. Tumulus A:
   • Tumulus A is the largest of the five mounds. It has a diameter of about 60 meters and contains a central burial chamber. The chamber is constructed with large stones and covered with a mound of earth.
5. Tumulus B and Tumulus C:
   • Tumulus B and Tumulus C are smaller in size compared to Tumulus A but share similar features. They also have central burial chambers within earthen mounds.
6. Tumulus D and Tumulus E:
   • Tumulus D and Tumulus E are smaller than the others and have distinctive rectangular shapes. Tumulus D, in particular, features a rectangular chamber.
7. Burial Chambers:
   • Each tumulus contains one or more burial chambers made of large stones. These chambers served as collective burial sites for the deceased.
8. Artifacts:
   • Excavations at the Tumulus of Bougon have revealed various artifacts, including pottery, flint tools, and personal ornaments. These items provide insights into the material culture of the Neolithic communities.
9. Purpose and Function:
   • The tumuli at Bougon were used for communal burials, and their construction reflects the religious and funerary practices of the Neolithic people. The choice of megalithic structures for burials suggests a significance placed on ancestral reverence and community identity.
10. Archaeological Discoveries:
    • The Tumulus of Bougon was discovered in the 19th century during quarrying activities. Subsequent archaeological excavations have been conducted, revealing the extent of the burial complex and providing valuable information about Neolithic burial practices.
11. Visitor Access:
    • The site is open to visitors, and there is a museum adjacent to the tumuli that provides additional information about the archaeological findings and the prehistoric context of the site.

The Tumulus of Bougon is a significant archaeological site that contributes to our understanding of Neolithic burial practices and the cultural heritage of early agricultural societies in western France. The well-preserved nature of the tumuli makes them important landmarks in the study of megalithic structures and prehistoric communities.