Iron Age Village found in Côtes d’Armor!
In a groundbreaking revelation, archaeologists have unearthed a circular Iron Age village nestled in the heart of Côtes d’Armor, France, utilizing satellite imaging technology. This remarkable find sheds light on the Gauls, an ancient people who once inhabited this coastal region.
The discovery, made possible through the innovative application of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, marks a significant milestone in archaeological exploration. LiDAR, a method of remote sensing that employs pulsed lasers to measure distances to the Earth's surface, enabled researchers to construct a detailed 3D map of the landscape, uncovering hidden features obscured over time.
Photo Credit: INRAE
Led by the National Institute for Environmental and Agricultural Science Research (INRAE), the archaeological team identified traces of a Gallic village at Cap d’Erquy, offering a glimpse into the lives of these Iron Age inhabitants. The Gauls, a diverse group of tribes that emerged around the 5th century BC, left behind a rich legacy of fortified settlements and cultural artifacts.
Unlike other ancient civilizations, Gaul never coalesced under a centralized government. Instead, Gaulish society comprised numerous independent tribes, each with its own distinct culture and traditions. Yet, these tribes demonstrated remarkable unity in times of conflict, as evidenced by their collective resistance against Roman conquest during the Gallic Wars led by Julius Caesar.
According to the Côtes d’Armor Departmental Council, the recently discovered village has approximately twenty roundhouses encircled by a defensive rampart, offering invaluable insights into Iron Age domestic life and defensive strategies. Preliminary estimates suggest that the settlement thrived between the 8th and 5th centuries BC, providing a window into a pivotal era in Gaulish history.
Jean-Yves Peskebrel, an archaeologist at INRAE, expressed excitement over the discovery, emphasizing its significance in enhancing our understanding of Gaulish society. He lauded the potential of LiDAR technology to unlock inaccessible archaeological sites, paving the way for further discoveries and insights into ancient civilizations.
Through the lens of modern technology, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our shared human heritage, bridging the gap between past and present. The circular Iron Age village in Côtes d’Armor stands as a testament to our curiosity and the boundless possibilities of archaeological discovery.