A recent archaeological discovery revealed the existence of a 5,500-year-old stone monument, which bears resemblance to the male genitalia. However, further research has revealed that the stone monument has a surprising specific function. Here are some interesting facts about this ancient monument that resembles the male genitalia!

FYI, Menhir is a prehistoric stone monument that stands upright, similar to an inscription. Menhir serves a function as it can produce phallic shapes when rubbed. In addition, Menhir often has a shape resembling male genitalia and is one of the earliest stone monuments in human history, with religious significance. In practice, they symbolize fertility, whether in animals, humans, or land, in the same way as their shape.

On August 14, 2021, the first excavation began after a local resident discovered a menhir while searching for trilobite fossils at the top of Monte do Trigo, in the Machados region. This project is the result of collaboration between the Regional Directorate of Culture Algarve, the Municipality of São Brás de Alportel, and the University of Algarve. After Professor and archaeologist António Faustino Carvalho found the object and stated that he was 95 percent sure it was a menhir.

The menhir is no longer standing upright, indicating that it is no longer in its original location where the monument was initially built. Although it is now in a lying position, this menhir was built as a marker for a territory 5500 years ago. Its purpose was to indicate the area likely inhabited by communities on the slopes and valleys of the mountain, located in an area currently known as Machados, along the EN2 road.