A mound, a word from the Latin tumulus (elevation),[1]​ is the name given to the pile of earth and stones raised over a tomb or several,[1]​ and which dates back to the time of the Stone, Bronze and Iron ages.

Originally it consisted of a pile of rocks that directly covered the body "Body (anatomy)"), but its structure was modified over the centuries and these burials were covered by earth until they formed true artificial hills, growing in size until they became funerary chambers in which both the dead warrior and his weapons and his main belongings rested. Sometimes they housed the burial of numerous individuals. The appearance of the mounds is usually related to a form of claiming rights over the lands on which they were located. The less visible the settlements were from a distance, the more visible the mounds became, as indicators that the territory was occupied.

They are usually distinguished by their shape and receive the following names: