METHODS OF STUDYING THE SARCOPHAGI QUARRIES OF THE HIGH MIDDLE AGES IN TOURAINE, POITOU AND BERRY
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2020-10-26

The production of stone sarcophagi is the main extractive activity of the early Middle Ages. In the Center of France (Touraine, Poitou and Berry), it is characterized by production centers consisting of several underground or semi-underground quarries. These archaeological sites are also characterized by the conservation in negative of a very tangible activity, whose study makes it possible to catch the acts of the quarrymen, the organization of the work and the rhythms of productions. This study is dependent on the conservation of the remains (destruction by the continuation of the exploitation, recovery of the quarry fronts or collapses) as well as by the legibility of the traces of extraction (eroded walls, presence of saltpeter, etc.). This paper will present the issues of research on sarcophagi quarries and the methodology developed in recent years for their study. The development of a multiscale analysis grid (tool trace, block negative, wall and quarry) and the use of adapted survey techniques (manual or with a 3D scanner for example) have made it possible to better understand the work of quarrymen on the one hand, the operation of the sites on the other hand, notably through the establishment of chronological topographies of the exploitations.

Author(s): Morleghem, Daniel (UMR 7324 Citeres-LAT)