L'apparition des meules rotatives en Languedoc oriental (IVe s. avant J.-C.) d'après l'étude du site de Lattes

Bibliographic Data

ID24220182
AuthorsJean-Louis Reille
Year2000
Volume57
Issue1
Pages261-272
Publication date2000-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGallia (BOOK_SERIES)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-4119 • E-ISSN: 2109-9588
PublisherPERSEE Program (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.3406/galia.2000.3022
OpenAlexW2086715827
LanguageFR
Citations received4
References cited7

Petrographic analysis was applied to 4th century BC millstones from the Protohistoric lagoonal harbour of Lattes (southern France, near Montpellier), in order to locate their origin. The most important quarrying centre was located in the lower valley of Hérault river, near the basaltic outcrops of Saint-Thibéry/Bessan. There are no archaeological field traces about this hypothetic worksite, only known through its products. According to present data, it furnished the oldest rotary millstones excavated in eastern Languedoc and Provence (first quarter of 4th century BC). From several facts, one may suppose that its production takes roots in the Iberic local technical culture. Nevertheless, it was probably early integrated into the big commercial activity of the Greek colony of Agde. Comparatively, during this period, the famous quarries of « Embonne/Cap d'Agde » seem to be commercially relegated to the background.

4th century BC · Agde · Bessans · eastern Languedoc · Greek colonies · Lattes · petrographic analysis · Provence · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological and Geological Studies · Archaeological and Historical Studies

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