Géoarchéologie

In 2002 rescue excavations on the track of the future high speed train line LGV-Est in the Meuse department, eastern France, led to the discovery of a medieval rural settlement, giving evidence of a long-lasting occupation during early and high medieval times (6th – 12th c. AD). This rural occupation, covering a total surface of about 1 hectare, was situated at the lower part of a slope leading to a small valley. In this valley 4,5 hectares were archaeologically surveyed by prospection trenches, giving evidence of human occupations dating from the Neolithic to Gallo-Roman times. The medieval occupation is evidenced by about 20 buildings, showing a wide range of different constructions, and by about hundred settlement pits, some trenched enclosures and a trackway. The study of the material culture and the analysis of archaeozoological and of carbonized archaeobotanical remains are revealing the domestic activities of the inhabitants and the agro-pastoral economy of the settlement.

In the Paris Basin, the Gravettian techno-complex is documented by a limited number of sites, and
radiocarbon dates are available for only three locations: Arcy-sur-Cure (Grande Grotte and Grotte du
Renne, Yonne), La Pente-des-Brosses (Montigny-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne) and Chamvres (Yonne). This
period of human prehistory is poorly known in the region. The recently discovered open-air site of Les
Bossats at Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne) includes an early Gravettian occupation with well-preserved
faunal remains; this allows for radiocarbon dating and provides information on the ecological context
that was previously inaccessible. Located on the southern limit of the maximum extension of loess
deposits, Ormesson also provides a well-developed Pleistocene sedimentary sequence. The peculiar
geomorphological context of the Gravettian occupation opens new avenues of investigation regarding
taphonomy and the possible anthropogenic intra-site spatial organisation.
Here we present the primary results of excavations that began in 2009. The strategic location of the
site, the richness of the lithic industry, the presence of two well-preserved hearths and associated
maintenance features (near which were found both perforated and non-perforated shells), as well as the
few elements of bone technology, all suggest that the site was occupied for a relatively long period of
time.
Flint nodules are primarily obtained from local sources and were used to produce blades and bladelets.
The tool kit is, however, dominated by blades likely used in butchering activities, as well as armature and
burin production. The occupants of Ormesson seem to have killed and butchered bison near site and
imported the most nutritious parts. Portions of reindeer and horse were also imported. The Gravettian
occupation at Ormesson thus appears to have been a medium to short-term multi purpose campsite,
likely occupied for the time it took to process imported bison carcasses.