Archaeologists discovered one of the oldest Neolithic settlements in France at Cavalaire-sur-Mer, a coastal town renowned for its scenic beauty. The discovery, made by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap), offers insights into early agricultural practices and the transition from nomadic to settled lifestyles.
The excavation project, which began in May 2023, was initiated due to the construction of a parking lot with an underground level. According to Le Figaro, this development allowed archaeologists to dig up to four meters underground. "It's a rather exceptional depth," noted Raphaëlle Guilbert-Berger, head of the preventive excavations, as reported by Le Figaro.
Beneath a four-meter layer of silt in a small coastal valley, the team discovered a structure attributed to the early Cardial period. This period marks a crucial moment in the history of France, representing the arrival of the Neolithic era characterized by a rapid spread from east to west, starting from Greece. The Cardial culture is distinguished by its pottery decorated with the edges of cardial shells.
"The discovered remains belong to the Cardial Impressa Neolithic culture, the second expansion of the Neolithic movement, which developed in the Mediterranean from 5,400 to 5,500 years before our era," explained Guilbert-Berger, according to Le Figaro. The habitation measures seven meters by five meters and features constructed parallel walls, with a very damaged apse. Notably, the walls are built using a mortar of raw earth and gravel, creating compact deposits.
Despite damage over the millennia, archaeologists identified two parallel stone walls wrapping around the area, although the site is eroded. The structure was affected by geological processes and later reconstruction. Embedded within its deep, earthen walls are pieces of ceramics. Shards of decorated pottery found at the site confirm the antiquity of the Cardial period.
Similar architectural patterns were found in Greece, Slovenia, and Central Italy, according to Scienze Notizie. In France, early Neolithic archaeological remains are mainly found in caves and rock shelters. Open-air settlements from the Neolithic period are less common and often poorly documented, with only a small handful of such findings reported across Europe.
The village at Cavalaire-sur-Mer represents the second example of an open-air Cardial settlement ever discovered in France, as noted by Scienze Notizie.
The Neolithic period marks the transition to an agricultural and settled lifestyle, instrumental in the foundation of many elements of modern life. During this time, agriculture and livestock farming became staples. The nomadic lifestyle was phased out, with sedentary living taking its place, as reported by Euro Weekly News.
The Cardial period signifies the arrival of the Neolithic era in France. From Greece, it reached regions such as Sicily, Apulia, and Calabria around 6000 BCE. It then extended to the Gulf of Genoa and southern France, including the Côte d'Azur and Languedoc, around 5800 BCE. At sites like Peiro Signado in Languedoc, excavations have revealed remains of an oval structure dating back to around 5800 BCE.
The excavation team from Inrap will continue their work until the end of February, aiming to discover more remains under the house. According to Inrap, further remains of the first French farmers may be buried under the alluvium of the Mediterranean rivers.
