Excavation at Saint-Martin-le-Nœud

In 2019, Inrap, a French public institution responsible for archaeological research, conducted an excavation at Saint-Martin-le-Nœud, a village in northern France, at a site known as "Derrière les Jardins." This excavation was prompted by findings from a diagnostic survey in 2018 that suggested Neolithic human activity in the area.

Purpose of the excavation

The excavation was carried out ahead of the construction of a housing development, a common practice in France to ensure that archaeological heritage is preserved before land is altered for modern use. This process helps to uncover and document historical sites before they are potentially destroyed.

Findings of the excavation

At the end of the excavation, two distinct Neolithic occupations were identified, indicating that the area was inhabited by humans during the Neolithic period, which spans roughly from 7000 to 2000 BCE in Europe. These findings suggest a long and continuous human presence in the region.

Expert commentary on the discoveries

Samuel Guérin, head of archaeological research at Inrap, will provide further insights into these important discoveries. His analysis will help to contextualize the findings within the broader understanding of Neolithic life in northern France.