In the area of Sermaize, in the Oise department, archaeologists from Inrap have uncovered a vast ancient settlement spanning 20,000 square meters, dating back to the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. This site, located near the presumed Roman road of Agrippa, which connected Noyon to Amiens, has revealed a remarkable ceramic production workshop that documents the full process of pottery creation, from clay extraction to commercialization. The site also includes a secondary road running north-south, about five meters wide, which suggests a well-organized settlement.
The workshop was structured in a grid system, with distinct spaces identified for clay preparation, shaping, and firing. These areas are associated with pole buildings and foundations made of chalk and gritstone. Initially, the site specialized in producing fine tableware, including black-surfaced terra nigra pottery inspired by Italian styles and gilded cups with mica coatings. Later, the production evolved with the introduction of two-landmark kilns and a shift toward dark common tableware. Evidence of domestic activity, such as potter’s wheels, hearths, wells, and consumption waste, indicates that these spaces served both artisanal and residential functions.
A significant clay extraction area of about 2,500 square meters was identified north of the workshop, oriented from south to north. Fifty excavation points have been noted, and petrochemical analyses will compare the clays found in natural soil with those used in anthropogenic structures, such as potter’s wheels and basins, to confirm whether the clay was sourced on-site. In addition, cavities dug for chalk extraction were found at the workshop’s edge, likely used for building foundations and traffic management. Several wells were also uncovered, with water found at depths of 8 and 10.5 meters. Botanical and palynological samples will help reconstruct the local environment at the time.
The site also includes 21 kilns of three distinct types. In the first century AD, 12 were single-landmark kilns with suspended soles. Later, two double-landmark kilns with cross-shaped walls were introduced, and gritstone was used in work pits. By the middle of the third century, three double-landmark kilns with central walls produced dark ceramics, alongside four single-landmark kilns. These kilns have been studied using both manual and mechanical methods to better understand their construction and use. Additionally, a dozen cellars were identified, integrated into the production process and built on chalk or gritstone foundations, reinforcing the site’s role in both artisanal and domestic activities.
Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Pottery Workshop Near Seine-Nord Europe Canal
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