LINKS BETWEEN THE FORTIFIED PENINSULA OF “KERMORVAN”, LE CONQUET (BRITTANY, FRANCE)
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2021-01-06

Located at the extreme end of Brittany and surrounded by the Ocean on most of his sides, this remote peninsula offers an area of 60 acres. Only connected to the rest of the continent by a narrow isthmus, this site has been occupied and fortified at multiples periods, mainly due to his strategical position in the landscape. However, despite the presence of massive fortifications focused on a single spot, not much can be said about the dating of the structure’s remains for the protohistorical period. Unlike many others hillforts or fortified sites nearby, this particular peninsula seems to stay beyond the scope of any archaeological study focused on typomorphological criters. Therefore, it is a necessity to take into account the complex archaeological and geographical environment, in order to get the reasons that led to the erection of the defensives structures, supposed as protohistoric. The key-position of this coastal site in relation to the Chenal du Four, a maritime crossing point, seems to be one of the main reasons of his occupation, as well as his connection with the hinterland. A quick review of the available data tends to illustrate the picture of a site deeply dependent from the surrounding landscape. The exercise wants to lead the study through the defensives structures to a better understanding of this important peninsula of the Iroise Sea, which has been already mastered in such protohistoric times, both for political and economic reasons. Thus, a discussion to replace the site in interaction with other fortified sites is proposed to conclude this communication.


Author(s): Duval, Hervé (CReAAH, University of Rennes 1)