The word monolith refers to both those geological formations or those human constructions that are characterized by being formed by a single block of stone. Natural monoliths, those that have not been built by man, are normally mounds of various sizes that are erected in the middle of a plain or plain and that can be used by humans to establish their habitat there. With regard to man-made monoliths, they are usually ceremonial or artistic monuments that are made from a single block of stone.
Monolith means in Greek "a single stone" (monkey = one / lithos = stone). Natural monoliths usually have large and important dimensions, being many times considered at first glance as mountains. However, they are not part of mountain ranges but are usually exposed individually and, therefore, more evident. In general, monoliths are made of only one type of stone and in most cases the reason for their formation has to do with the movements of magma and igneous rocks. If tectonic plate movements are taken into account, then mountains can also be considered as monoliths in themselves.
As for the man-made monoliths, these are, as stated, made for ceremonial or artistic purposes. Always constituted by a single block of stone, the oldest monoliths are those that were placed in different regions of Europe by prehistoric men and that did not involve too much stone work (such as the stone blocks belonging to the Stonehenge monument).
Many other cultures over time have built much more developed monoliths in which a delicate and planned sculptural work allows the stone to be transformed into a true work of art that can represent many things.
