Beneath the countryside landscape of Marliens, mere kilometers from Dijon in the heart of the Ouche valley, lies evidence of ancient life spanning through millennia. Before the expansion of a local gravel pit could proceed, INRAP archaeologists were called in to investigate the area, and came across a saga of human endeavor that stretches from the Neolithic period to the dawn of the First Iron Age. Their findings? An astonishing array of settlements, burials, and enigmatic structures scattered across 6 hectares (15 acres) that challenge our understanding of prehistoric Europe.
Horseshoe Enclosures – A Prehistoric Monument?
The oldest occupation is characterized by a monument made up of three interlocking enclosures. In the center of the monument was a circular enclosure 11 m (36 ft) in diameter. To the north, an 8 m (26 ft) long “horseshoe” shaped enclosure is coupled with the circular enclosure and to the south, it is an open enclosure which leans against the central enclosure.
The presence of a layer of gravel, observed in the filling of the two side enclosures, testifies to the existence of a palisade (stake fence). The different stratigraphic sections made indicate that the three enclosures are contemporary.
General view of the Marliens gravel pit, with prehistoric enclosures visible center bottom. (© Jérôme Berthet, Inrap)
This type of monument seems unprecedented and currently no comparison has been possible. The dating still remains uncertain, however the only artifacts discovered…
