<P> The most common type of megalithic construction in Europe is the portal tomb -- a chamber consisting of upright stones ( orthostats ) with one or more large flat capstones forming a roof . Many of these , though by no means all , contain human remains , but it is debatable whether use as burial sites was their primary function . The megalithic structures of Malta are believed to be the oldest in Europe , in particular Skorba Temples . Though generally known as dolmens , the correct term accepted by archaeologists is portal tomb . However many local names exist , such as anta in Galicia and Portugal , stazzone in Sardinia , hunebed in the Netherlands , Hünengrab in Germany , dysse in Denmark , and cromlech in Wales . It is assumed that most portal tombs were originally covered by earthen mounds . </P>
the most common form of megalithic architecture in europe is
portal tomb