Ancient Stone House Unearthed in Provence, Dating Back Over 7,000 Years

In the Var, in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, an unexpected discovery will delay the deadlines for a parking lot project. Indeed, as Inrap announced on January 13, 2025, the oldest Neolithic house in Provence was discovered. The latter would have been built at least 5400 years before our era.

A little house

More than 7,000 years after the construction of this house, if the inhabitants saw the ones that are standing today, they would surely think that they were small castles. Indeed, according to excavations carried out in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, the house at sea found under the construction site of a parking lot measured seven meters by five.

And the materials used were far from those available to us today. Indeed, records indicate that the walls were made from stones and earth in the majority.

But what also amazed archaeologists was the depth at which the house was located. Indeed, following an analysis of the terrain, the researchers had to dig under 4 meters of alluvium. “This is a rather exceptional depth.” enthused Raphaëlle Guilbert-Berger, the person responsible for the excavations, in comments reported by Le Figaro.

Excavations which will extend until the end of February

The exceptional discovery in Provence could hold other surprises for Inrap archaeologists. Indeed, although the stone house itself is already a fantastic find, Raphaëlle Guilbert-Berger did not hide her disappointment on an important fact.

“In terms of material culture, it is quite poor” she said. And yes, if the walls of the house were indeed present, there was however no object to study. Perhaps future excavations, which will extend until the end of February, will shed light on clues about the inhabitants of this stone house.

As for the parking lot, its construction is stopped until further notice.

Source : Le Figaro / Inrap