THE CITY UNDER THE WHEAT

Archaeological investigation into a mysterious Gallo-Roman settlement

In 2005, during an aerial archaeological survey, archaeologist Bertrand Dousteyssier discovered a group of ancient structures visible from above while flying over wheat fields in the commune of Charbonnier-les-Mines. His photographs revealed a veritable town, organised around a large central road. Over time, the investigation into this mysterious and previously unknown city progressed. In 2008, the development of a crossroads provided an opportunity for Philippe Bet, an archaeologist from Inrap, to probe a tiny portion of the buried city, revealing the exceptional state of preservation of the remains.

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The field investigation led Bertrand to meet the inhabitants of the commune, who had been collecting objects unearthed by ploughs during the ploughing season for years. The addition of old collections to the Ministry of Culture’s archives also enabled archaeologists to complete their knowledge of the site.

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Gradually, aerial surveys are supplemented by ground surveys and geophysical surveys, which confirm the importance of the Roman town and gradually complete its plan.

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In addition to the threat of looting by illegal prospectors who illegally survey the site with metal detectors, there is also the risk of destruction of the remains by a sand quarrying project. Faced with this double threat, residents, local elected officials and archaeologists are mobilising to save this endangered archaeological heritage.