 Evidence dating from the Ice Age period of engravings dating from at least 12,000 BC have been found, showing occupation by Homo sapiens.Evidence also exists of settled communities in the Neolithic period, which is marked by the building of the ritual burial sites known as dolmens.The number, size, and visible locations of these megalithic monuments (especially La Hougue Bie) have suggested that social organisation over a wide area, including surrounding coasts, was required for the construction.