A Giant's Church (Finnish: Jätinkirkko, jatulinkirkko) is the name given to prehistoric stone enclosures found in the Ostrobothnia region of Finland. Dating from the sub-Neolithic period (3500–2000 BC), they are thought to be a rare example of monumental architecture built by hunter-gatherers in northern Europe.[1]
Description
The stone enclosures are rectangular or oval boulder embankments.[2] Around forty sites are known, located in a 400-kilometre (250 mi) strip on the northwest coast of Finland (Ostrobothnia).[1] Although located inland today, they were probably originally on the seashore.[1] There is no hard evidence as to their intended use.[2] It is possible they were used by hunters of seals on the Spring ice, who were away from their usual dwelling places.[3]
One of the largest known sites is Kastelli Giant's Church, which encloses an area of 60 by 35 metres (197 by 115 ft).[1] The Giants' Churches have been dated to the "subneolithic" (ie. Mesolithic people who are beginning to use Neolithic artefacts) around 3500–2000 BC.[1] By 1500 BC they were abandoned.
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