Ancient settlement uncovered in Burgundy

Archaeological research on Saint-Laurent Mountain in Mesmont, Côte-d'Or, has revealed a small elevated settlement from the late Antiquity and early Middle Ages. The site has been occupied since the Neolithic and was more intensively used during the Bronze and Iron Ages, with reoccupation at the end of the second Iron Age before being abandoned during the Roman period, though a possible sanctuary suggests continued use.

New research program launched

A three-year research program began in 2026 to study the spatial organization of the site from the 5th to 8th centuries, a period previously under-researched despite the site's dense population. Geophysical surveys and Lidar have revealed a structured occupation on a plateau surrounding a central summit spur, including large masonry buildings, one of which dates from the 6th to 7th centuries and covers nearly 240 m².

Medieval church and cemetery

Further east, the current parish cemetery of Mesmont is located on the site of a medieval church known from written sources but with an unclear plan. The basilical plan of the cemetery enclosure wall suggests a larger religious building. Funerary discoveries, including tombs and sarcophagus covers from the Middle Ages, have been found in the area.

Major masonry church discovered

A large masonry church, discovered in the 1970s and excavated between 2019 and 2024, is a major building in the complex. Though its function was unclear without burials, the discovery of a chancel barrier device and the bases of a liturgical bench indicate it was a large church, 27.5 m long and 12.4 m wide at the level of the nave. A room to the south likely served as a presbytery annex.

Additional buildings identified

To the west of the church, excavations in 2026 revealed another masonry building 15 m long and 12 m wide, continuing the church's structure. The width of the walls and the quality of the mortar suggest the existence of a floor. To the south, sounding holes identified another large masonry building, extending over more than twenty meters in length, with its width still to be determined.

Signs of high-status occupation

The buildings form a remarkable orthonormal built ensemble of several hundred square meters. The discovery of pilettes, fragments of tubulures and suspensura—remains of suspended concrete floors—indicates a floor heating system, characteristic of sites inhabited by high-ranking individuals. The presence of specialized artisans suggests the site was occupied by those who could afford such comforts.

Chronology and materials

The ensemble was built in the 5th century and occupied until the beginning of the 8th century, with no deep reorganization. This is supported by the dating of ceramics, including a small lot of sealed ceramics from the Argonne, and a series of radiocarbon analyses. A fragment of sealed Argonne ceramics from 2026 features a wheel design characteristic of the second half of the 5th century, with Christian motifs.

Abundance of glass artifacts

The material culture includes more than 500 glass fragments collected since 2019, including flat glass used in stained glass and elements of lamps or tableware, characteristic of consumption patterns typical of privileged circles in the early Middle Ages.

Historical significance of Mesmont

The site is well-documented in early medieval texts, referenced as the capital of the pagus magnimontensis, from which the name Mesmontois derives. It is described as a castrum or oppidum, suggesting a fortified or elevated site with urban characteristics. Mesmont is frequently mentioned in hagiographic literature, which narrates the lives of the first saints of Burgundy.

Notable historical figures

Bishop Gregory of Langres names his grandson Eustace, a priest in Mesmont, as head of the monastic community he founded around the cult of Saint Benignus in Dijon. Saint Sigo, founder of Saint-Seine-l'Abbaye, was also from Mesmont. Saint Baudry and Saint Antide are also associated with the site, with relics likely kept there until the 9th century.

Decline and abandonment

The transfer of relics indicates the decline of Mesmont and the processes leading to the abandonment of Saint-Laurent Mountain, presumably in favor of the current village of Sombernon. These textual sources align with archaeological findings, highlighting Mesmont's role in the structuring of settlement and power networks in Burgundy.

Public engagement and research

The site offers opportunities for volunteers and archaeology students to practice excavation techniques. The research program involves exchanges with colleagues from various institutions, contributing to collective reflections. The discoveries at Mesmont offer new insights into the social and economic structures of the early Middle Ages, moving beyond the traditional narrative of barbarian invasions or lazy kings.

Broader archaeological context

The site is part of the Ouche valley's archaeological territory near Dijon, alongside other research projects such as the secondary ancient settlement of Mâlain and the medieval village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. The dissemination of these findings through public visits, conferences, and other restitutions is a fundamental aspect of the program.