An early Middle Ages palace with Roman-inspired heating was uncovered in Côte-d’Or, revealing a high-status site from the 5th to 8th centuries.
Excavation reveals medieval palace site
In Côte-d’Or, excavations by Inrap at Mesmont have uncovered a possible palace from the early Middle Ages, complete with a large church and a floor heating system inherited from Roman times. The site, known as Montagne de Saint-Laurent at Mesmont, overlooks the valley of the Ouche and is about twenty kilometers west of Dijon.Archaeological team identifies structures
Under the direction of Antoine Guicheteau from Inrap and UMR 6298 Artehis, the team uncovered a large residential complex that includes a large church and buildings equipped with floor heating. The complex was built in the fifth century and remained occupied until the beginning of the eighth century.Floor heating highlights Roman influence
The floor heating system, known as a hypocaust, is the key discovery at the site. "The presence of such equipment indicates not only the continuation of an ancient tradition in construction," explains Antoine Guicheteau. "But also a very high social status of the occupants."Archaeologists suggest elite residence
The archaeologists suggest that the complex may have been the residence of an elite family or a local ruler. The combination of a large church and advanced heating technology points to a significant level of wealth and influence during the early Middle Ages.
