- Achaeology, Megaliths, Megalithic Technology, Neolithic Archaeology, Dry Stone Walling, Neolithic Europe, and 12 moreMegalithic Monuments, Megaliths (Archaeology), 3D Modelling (Architecture), Archaeological Method & Theory, Archéologie, Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Megalithic Art, Prehistory, Architecture, Megalithism, and Valencina de la Concepción (Seville, Spain)edit
Pre and Protohistoric Stone Architectures: Comparisons of the Social and Technical Contexts Associated to Their Building presents the papers from Session XXXII-3 of the XVIII UISPP Congress (Paris, 4-9 June 2018). This session took place... more
Pre and Protohistoric Stone Architectures: Comparisons of the Social and Technical Contexts Associated to Their Building presents the papers from Session XXXII-3 of the XVIII UISPP Congress (Paris, 4-9 June 2018). This session took place within the commission concerned with the European Neolithic. While most of the presentations fell within that chronological period and were concerned with the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean basin, wider geographical and chronological comparisons were also included. This volume aims to break the usual limits on the fields of study and to deconstruct some preconceived ideas. New methods developed over the past ten years bring out new possibilities regarding the study of such monuments, and the conference proceedings open up unexpected and promising perspectives.
Research Interests:
Livret d'exposition pour la présentation des tombes mégalithiques de Menjez. p. 92. (Anglais, français et arabe)
Research Interests:
The aim of this paper is to present the methodology used to study the megalithic architecture of Menjez's monuments (Akkar, Lebanon), as part of the MEG-A Project-"First megalith builders in the northern Levant" (2022-2025). Twenty-four... more
The aim of this paper is to present the methodology used to study the megalithic architecture of Menjez's monuments (Akkar, Lebanon), as part of the MEG-A Project-"First megalith builders in the northern Levant" (2022-2025). Twenty-four monuments have been investigated since 2018. The primary objective is to pioneer a comprehensive understanding of the unique Levantine megalithic building techniques and re-establish the "chaînes opératoires," by determining the builders' sequence of actions. This groundbreaking methodology originally developed for Western European megalithic monuments, notably in Brittany, France, has been innovatively applied and customized to suit the Levantine context, specifically focusing on the distinctive basaltic monuments of Menjez and its surrounding areas. By using photogrammetry as a tool, the researchers are able to de-construct the megalithic architecture by analyzing the different components of these monuments. Moreover, it is then possible to describe monoliths according to their place within the monument and their geological and geomorphological features. Our work has led us to consider the symbolic aspect expressed in the megalithic architecture of Menjez. Employing this groundbreaking methodology not only yields concrete answers regarding the typology of these monuments but also dramatically reshapes our perception of their construction. It establishes a precise relative chronology for the various architectural phases and, most significantly, reveals the hidden details of the raw material supply chain.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The discovery of a multi-chambered long cairn in central Brittany dating to the Middle Neolithic period challenges previous conceptions of the coastal focus of Neolithic society in this region.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Médiéval and Préhistoire
For a long time, elevations have been put aside during archaeological work on megalithism, due to the lack of appropriate methodology for their studies. For 30 years, our knowledge of historical periods architecture has been renewed... more
For a long time, elevations have been put aside during archaeological work on megalithism, due to the lack of
appropriate methodology for their studies. For 30 years, our knowledge of historical periods architecture has been renewed
thanks to the use of building archaeology methodology. To extend research on megalithism, a choice was made to adapt this
methodology to the characteristics proper to megalithism. One of them is the irregularity of the plans and volumes which
makes their surveying more complex. The development of 3d tools overcomes this difficulty. We have integrated to our study
protocol the use of photogrammetry to acquire digital models and to produce orthoimages as a base for the elevation drawings.
Then, the application of building archaeology to megalithic architectures implies two big adaptations. The first one is the
coordination of the vocabulary and building principles to dry stone masonry, which is often the main component of the funeral
megalithic architectures. For the second adaptation, we have included the study of the monolithic part of these architectures
such as orthostates or capstones. They have an important place in megalithism, especially in terms of ornamentation. Megalithic
building archaeology, with 3D tools, has been tested on some high potential sites excavated 50 years ago in Brittany, France. This
methodology allowed us to renew entirely our knowledge of their
appropriate methodology for their studies. For 30 years, our knowledge of historical periods architecture has been renewed
thanks to the use of building archaeology methodology. To extend research on megalithism, a choice was made to adapt this
methodology to the characteristics proper to megalithism. One of them is the irregularity of the plans and volumes which
makes their surveying more complex. The development of 3d tools overcomes this difficulty. We have integrated to our study
protocol the use of photogrammetry to acquire digital models and to produce orthoimages as a base for the elevation drawings.
Then, the application of building archaeology to megalithic architectures implies two big adaptations. The first one is the
coordination of the vocabulary and building principles to dry stone masonry, which is often the main component of the funeral
megalithic architectures. For the second adaptation, we have included the study of the monolithic part of these architectures
such as orthostates or capstones. They have an important place in megalithism, especially in terms of ornamentation. Megalithic
building archaeology, with 3D tools, has been tested on some high potential sites excavated 50 years ago in Brittany, France. This
methodology allowed us to renew entirely our knowledge of their
Research Interests:
The discovery of engraved art brings to light new aspects of megalithic monuments in the Levant. During the 4th millennium BC, the inhabitants of Menjez invested significant time in inhuming their dead in megalithic monuments. The study... more
The discovery of engraved art brings to light new aspects of megalithic monuments in the Levant. During the 4th millennium BC, the inhabitants of Menjez invested significant time in inhuming their dead in megalithic monuments. The study of 12 tombs located in that locality yielded 63 pictograms. This paper underlines the role played by snake iconography.
Research Interests:
La mission de valorisation et de protection des dolmens de Menjez (Akkar, Liban), financée par le British Council, en juillet et août 2018 a été l’occasion de faire de nouvelles observations sur les tombes et leur environnement. Outre le... more
La mission de valorisation et de protection des dolmens de Menjez (Akkar, Liban), financée par le British Council, en juillet et août 2018 a été l’occasion de faire de nouvelles observations sur les tombes et leur environnement. Outre le culte des ancêtres, propre aux sociétés à mégalithes du Levant au Bronze ancien, vers 3500 avant notre ère, le serpent semble avoir eu un rôle important dans cette région ce qui est nouveau pour cette période et ce contexte.
Research Interests:
Megalithic art is a well-known feature of the Neolithic chambered tombs of Atlantic Europe. The surviving evidence consists largely of carved motifs, and, until recently, painted megalithic art was thought to be restricted to western... more
Megalithic art is a well-known feature of the Neolithic chambered tombs of Atlantic Europe. The surviving evidence consists largely of carved motifs, and, until recently, painted megalithic art was thought to be restricted to western Iberia. Recent discoveries have expanded that distribution, assisted by new methods of detection, recording and analysis. The discovery of painted motifs at Barnenez in Brittany, reported here, marks a breakthrough and raises the possibility that many megalithic tombs in northwest Europe were once coloured as well as carved. Similarities in motifs and techniques also point to the likelihood of direct connections with Iberia.
Research Interests: European Studies, Death Studies, Landscape Archaeology, Atlantic World, Painting, and 14 moreSymbolic Interaction, Funerary Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Megalithic Monuments, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Symbolism (Art History), Megaliths (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Megalithic Art, Iberian prehistory, Funeary practices, and France prehistory
À peine quelques jours après l'ouverture de la nouvelle exposition «Mégalithes d'ici, Mégalithes d'ailleurs» proposée par le Laboratoire d'archéologie préhistorique et anthropologie, la crise du coronavirus nous a contraint de fermer nos... more
À peine quelques jours après l'ouverture de la nouvelle exposition «Mégalithes d'ici, Mégalithes d'ailleurs» proposée par le Laboratoire d'archéologie préhistorique et anthropologie, la crise du coronavirus nous a contraint de fermer nos portes.
En attendant la réouverture de la salle, prévue pour le 1 er septembre, nous avons le plaisir de vous inviter à découvrir cette exposition dans un format virtuel accessible par ce lien : http://www.unige.ch/expositions-virtuelles/megalithes/
En attendant la réouverture de la salle, prévue pour le 1 er septembre, nous avons le plaisir de vous inviter à découvrir cette exposition dans un format virtuel accessible par ce lien : http://www.unige.ch/expositions-virtuelles/megalithes/
Research Interests:
The southern tumulus of Barnenez, situated on the north coast of Finistère, is one of the most famous Breton megaliths. It was excavated during the 1950s by P.-R. Giot, and the results published in 1987. Since then, data concerning this... more
The southern tumulus of Barnenez, situated on the north coast of Finistère, is one of the most famous Breton megaliths. It was excavated during the 1950s by P.-R. Giot, and the results published in 1987. Since then, data concerning this well-preserved monument have not been updated with the new knowledge regarding megaliths gained over the last three decades. In 2010, an international research program began on this tumulus, integrating an ongoing PhD at Rennes 1 University. The first part of the study concerns the ornamentation inside the funerary areas, with the discovery of paintings and the redefining of the engravings. The second section is an architectural study through interpretation of the elevations thanks to the use of archaeological building methodology. Both revealed multiple phases inside the tumulus, unveiling a complex history. This article will focus on two structures of the tumulus which contain discreet evidence of that substantial history, before the monument attained its imposing final form, seventy metres long. The first structure is passage grave H. Two registers of ornamentation have been found, revealing two distinct and successive phases inside the chamber. In the passage, the architectural study showed some ruptures in the constructional mode, revealing extensions of the passage. Passage grave H seems to have had a previous state, destroyed by the Neo-lithic builders themselves. We decided to do a survey to test if the previous monument had left marks on the ground of the current passage grave. The results exceeded our expectations, with conservation of the plan and of part of the cairn with, in several places, two courses in elevation. Not all the monument was levelled off, the orthostats of the end of the chamber remained in place, integrated into the current chamber, which explains the differences of ornamentation. The survey proves that a monument was dismantled and partially reused in the current dolmen H. It is one of the first times we can prove the reuse of stones taken from a dolmen to be integrated within another. We needed all the megalithic architectural elements, marks on the ground, on the elevations and on the ornamentation, to partially understand the architectural history of dolmen H. The second part studied is the western façade of the tumulus. It contains a row of many raised stones, whose wider sides face the bay of Morlaix.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We propose a workflow of tools and procedures to reconstruct an existing archaeological site as a virtual 3D reconstitution in a large scale immersive system. This interdisciplinary endeavor, gathering archaeologists and virtual reality... more
We propose a workflow of tools and procedures to reconstruct an existing archaeological site as a virtual 3D reconstitution in a large scale immersive system. This interdisciplinary endeavor, gathering archaeologists and virtual reality computer scientists, is the first step ...
Research Interests:
Le terme Barnenez est associé au cairn fouillé et restauré dans les années 1950-1960 par Pierre-Roland Giot. Il semble isolé actuellement mais d’autres édifices limitrophes sont connus et spécialement un second long tumulus au nord du... more
Le terme Barnenez est associé au cairn fouillé et restauré dans les années 1950-1960 par Pierre-Roland Giot. Il semble isolé actuellement mais d’autres édifices limitrophes sont connus et spécialement un second long tumulus au nord du cairn. Ce travail cherche à ramener à la lumière ce monument avec une ac-tualisation desses données qui peut aider à la compréhension de l’ensemble de Barnenez.
Barnenez’s term is associated to the cairn, excavated and restored during the 50-60’s by Pierre-Roland Giot. It seems isolated now but other adjacent buildings are known and specially a second long tumu-lus next to the cairn at its north. This work wants to bring to light this monuments with an updating of its data which can help to the understanding of the Barnenez group.
Barnenez’s term is associated to the cairn, excavated and restored during the 50-60’s by Pierre-Roland Giot. It seems isolated now but other adjacent buildings are known and specially a second long tumu-lus next to the cairn at its north. This work wants to bring to light this monuments with an updating of its data which can help to the understanding of the Barnenez group.
Research Interests:
Independent circular cairns have been observed since the 19th century within long quadrangular mounds. These cairns, called rotundas since 1936 in Great Britain, are present in the west of France but have been little studied. Given the... more
Independent circular cairns have been observed since the 19th century within long quadrangular mounds. These cairns, called rotundas since 1936 in Great Britain, are present in the west of France but have been little studied. Given the methods and knowledge available at the time, their original discovery did not lead to comprehensive architectural studies. In 2001, a rotunda was unearthed in tumulus C of Péré at Prissé-la-Charrière, allowing us to return to the issues concerning rotundas: how were they built; to what degree were they autonomous in relation to the covering monument; and what might have been their morphology? Since 2007, a methodology developed for historical architecture has been used in the excavation of tumulus C: building archaeology. It allows us to deconstruct the monument, establishing its construction sequences, and understand the intentions and the technical quality of the builders. This data is used to better understand the chronology of the monument, the objectives of its construction, and to reconstruct its original morphology, in order to establish its autonomy from the long mound that encloses it.
http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/the-megalithic-architectures-of-europe.html
http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/the-megalithic-architectures-of-europe.html
Research Interests:
Résumé : La recherche mégalithique récente sur les tumulus néolithiques dans l’ouest de la France s’intéresse de plus en plus à l’architecture dans son intégralité. Cependant, nos connaissances restent inégales. Les données... more
Résumé :
La recherche mégalithique récente sur les tumulus néolithiques dans l’ouest de la France s’intéresse de plus en plus à l’architecture dans son intégralité. Cependant, nos connaissances restent inégales. Les données architectoniques, liées au chantier de construction, sont quasi inexistantes comparées aux données architecturales, sur les aspects formels et ornementaux. De même, les deux sont plus nombreux pour les blocs de gros module (orthostates et tables de couverture) que pour les maçonneries en pierre sèche qui composent pourtant majoritairement les masses tumulaires.
Cette thèse a donc pour but d’équilibrer et d’améliorer notre compréhension de ces architectures grâce au développement d’une méthodologie adéquate à la lecture de l’ensemble des élévations. Elle adapte l’archéologie du bâti, utilisée pour les édifices historiques, aux principes de l’architecture mégalithique. Son application comprend deux étapes.
La première concerne des édifices de plan circulaire, peu étudiés. Les sites examinés sont le cairn III du tumulus C de Péré à Prissé-la-Charrière (Deux-Sèvres), l’édifice B de la nécropole de la Boixe à Vervant (Charente) et la Motte de la Jacquille à Fontenille (Charente). Cette étape aboutit à une synthèse globale sur les tumulus de ce type.
La deuxième étape vise à comprendre l’évolution à la fois architectonique et architecturale des édifices mégalithiques. Elle inclue l’étude du tumulus de Carn à Ploudalmezeau (Finistère), ainsi que celle du long tumulus sud de Barnenez à Plouezoc’h (Finistère), tous deux mis au jour par P.-R. Giot, dont les fouilles laissaient supposer des phasages complexes. De plus, ces deux édifices contiennent la quasi-totalité des voûtes en encorbellement en bon état dans l’ouest de la France, ouvrant un axe de recherche particulier sur ce type de couverture.
La synthèse des études architecturales de ces différents sites permet un bilan sur l’approche méthodologique des architectures mégalithiques, et amène des discussions et des perspectives d’études sur les temps de la construction et l’évolution architecturale pour l’ensemble du mégalithisme dans l’ouest de la France. Cette synthèse offre également une nouvelle vision des sociétés néolithiques qui ont commandé, construit, utilisé, aménagé et abandonné ces architectures.
Mots-clefs : Mégalithisme ; Ouest de la France ; Néolithique ; Dolmen ; Tumulus ; Archéologie du Bâti ; Préhistoire ; Architecture
Abstract :
Recent megalithic research on Neolithic tumulus in western France has taken more and more interest in architecture in its entirety. However, our knowledge remains uneven. Research has focused on the architectural aspects of monuments (formal and ornamental features) but little attention has been given to technological one, i.e. the construction site. Similarly, research has focused on large stone works (orthostats and cap stones) rather than dry stone masonry which however is the predominant part of a tumulus.
This thesis aspires to balance and improve our understanding of these architectures by developing an appropriate methodology to read various types of elevations. It adapts the building archeology approach, so far only applied to historical buildings, to megalithic architecture. This application is made in two steps.
The first focuses on buildings with a circular plan, which have received little attention. The cairn III of the tumulus C of Péré at Prissé-la-Charrière, the building B of Boixe necropolis at Vervant and the Motte de la Jacquille at Fontenille are examined as case-studies. This step results in a general synthesis on the tumulus of this type.
The second step aims at understanding both architectonic and architectural evolutions of megalithic buildings. It includes the study of the tumulus of Carn at Ploudalmezeau, as well as the south tumulus of Barnenez at Plouezoc’h, both revealed by P.-R. Giot whose excavations had suggested complex phasings of construction. Furthermore, these two buildings contain virtually the only corbelled vaults remaining in good condition in western France: the thesis offers here a new research axis on this type of covering.
A synthesis of the architectural examinations on these different sites allows an assessment of the methodological approach of megalithic architectures and leads to discussions and perspectives about the construction times and architectural evolution of megalithic monuments in western France. This synthesis also gives a new vision of Neolithic societies who ordered, built, used, restructured and abandoned these architectures.
Keywords: Megalithism ; Western France ; Neolithic ; Dolmen ; Tumulus ; Building archaeology ; Prehistory ; Architecture
La recherche mégalithique récente sur les tumulus néolithiques dans l’ouest de la France s’intéresse de plus en plus à l’architecture dans son intégralité. Cependant, nos connaissances restent inégales. Les données architectoniques, liées au chantier de construction, sont quasi inexistantes comparées aux données architecturales, sur les aspects formels et ornementaux. De même, les deux sont plus nombreux pour les blocs de gros module (orthostates et tables de couverture) que pour les maçonneries en pierre sèche qui composent pourtant majoritairement les masses tumulaires.
Cette thèse a donc pour but d’équilibrer et d’améliorer notre compréhension de ces architectures grâce au développement d’une méthodologie adéquate à la lecture de l’ensemble des élévations. Elle adapte l’archéologie du bâti, utilisée pour les édifices historiques, aux principes de l’architecture mégalithique. Son application comprend deux étapes.
La première concerne des édifices de plan circulaire, peu étudiés. Les sites examinés sont le cairn III du tumulus C de Péré à Prissé-la-Charrière (Deux-Sèvres), l’édifice B de la nécropole de la Boixe à Vervant (Charente) et la Motte de la Jacquille à Fontenille (Charente). Cette étape aboutit à une synthèse globale sur les tumulus de ce type.
La deuxième étape vise à comprendre l’évolution à la fois architectonique et architecturale des édifices mégalithiques. Elle inclue l’étude du tumulus de Carn à Ploudalmezeau (Finistère), ainsi que celle du long tumulus sud de Barnenez à Plouezoc’h (Finistère), tous deux mis au jour par P.-R. Giot, dont les fouilles laissaient supposer des phasages complexes. De plus, ces deux édifices contiennent la quasi-totalité des voûtes en encorbellement en bon état dans l’ouest de la France, ouvrant un axe de recherche particulier sur ce type de couverture.
La synthèse des études architecturales de ces différents sites permet un bilan sur l’approche méthodologique des architectures mégalithiques, et amène des discussions et des perspectives d’études sur les temps de la construction et l’évolution architecturale pour l’ensemble du mégalithisme dans l’ouest de la France. Cette synthèse offre également une nouvelle vision des sociétés néolithiques qui ont commandé, construit, utilisé, aménagé et abandonné ces architectures.
Mots-clefs : Mégalithisme ; Ouest de la France ; Néolithique ; Dolmen ; Tumulus ; Archéologie du Bâti ; Préhistoire ; Architecture
Abstract :
Recent megalithic research on Neolithic tumulus in western France has taken more and more interest in architecture in its entirety. However, our knowledge remains uneven. Research has focused on the architectural aspects of monuments (formal and ornamental features) but little attention has been given to technological one, i.e. the construction site. Similarly, research has focused on large stone works (orthostats and cap stones) rather than dry stone masonry which however is the predominant part of a tumulus.
This thesis aspires to balance and improve our understanding of these architectures by developing an appropriate methodology to read various types of elevations. It adapts the building archeology approach, so far only applied to historical buildings, to megalithic architecture. This application is made in two steps.
The first focuses on buildings with a circular plan, which have received little attention. The cairn III of the tumulus C of Péré at Prissé-la-Charrière, the building B of Boixe necropolis at Vervant and the Motte de la Jacquille at Fontenille are examined as case-studies. This step results in a general synthesis on the tumulus of this type.
The second step aims at understanding both architectonic and architectural evolutions of megalithic buildings. It includes the study of the tumulus of Carn at Ploudalmezeau, as well as the south tumulus of Barnenez at Plouezoc’h, both revealed by P.-R. Giot whose excavations had suggested complex phasings of construction. Furthermore, these two buildings contain virtually the only corbelled vaults remaining in good condition in western France: the thesis offers here a new research axis on this type of covering.
A synthesis of the architectural examinations on these different sites allows an assessment of the methodological approach of megalithic architectures and leads to discussions and perspectives about the construction times and architectural evolution of megalithic monuments in western France. This synthesis also gives a new vision of Neolithic societies who ordered, built, used, restructured and abandoned these architectures.
Keywords: Megalithism ; Western France ; Neolithic ; Dolmen ; Tumulus ; Building archaeology ; Prehistory ; Architecture
L’application aux monuments mégalithiques de certaines des méthodes de l’archéologie du bâti, plutôt utilisées pour les périodes historiques, permet de préciser le vocabulaire concernant les techniques employées dans la construction,... more
L’application aux monuments mégalithiques de certaines des méthodes de l’archéologie du bâti, plutôt utilisées pour les périodes historiques, permet de préciser le vocabulaire concernant les techniques employées dans la construction, d’une part, d’approcher la nature des projets architecturaux conçus par les bâtisseurs, d’autre part. C’est tout le chantier de construction qui se déroule alors sous nos yeux. L’étude en cours de l’extrémité orientale du tumulus C de Péré à Prissé-la-Charrière, dans les Deux-Sèvres, révèle ainsi la mise en oeuvre de savoir-faire et de prouesses techniques insoupçonnées pour des périodes aussi anciennes. L’usage de quelques très grosses pierres dans la construction, qui toutes gardent au moins un peu de leur aspect naturel, ont trop longtemps donné l’illusion d’architectures “primitives”, matérialisées de façon rudimentaire, pour ces tout premiers monuments funéraires en pierre d’Europe occidentale.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In : Nordez M., Rousseau L. et Cervel M., Recherches sur l'âge du Bronze, Nouvelles approches et perspectives, Actes de la journée d'étude de l'Association pour la promotion des recherches archéologiques sur l'âge du Bronze, 28 février... more
In : Nordez M., Rousseau L. et Cervel M., Recherches sur l'âge du Bronze, Nouvelles approches et perspectives, Actes de la journée d'étude de l'Association pour la promotion des recherches archéologiques sur l'âge du Bronze, 28 février 2014, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Bulletin de l'APRAB, suppl. n° 1 (Nantes, 2015), p. 9-14.
L’étude des élévations, avec une méthodologie adéquate, peut dévoiler des données importantes sur les architectures pré et protohistoriques. Les sociétés qui les ont construites et/ou utilisées sont également appréhendables au travers du bâti. Cette nouvelle approche, présentée ici, est issue de l’adaptation de l’archéologie du bâti employée pour les périodes historiques et de l’usage des outils 3D.
Elevations study, with an appropriate methodology, can reveal some important data on the pre and protohistoric architectures. The societies which built and/or used them can be understood through the building. This new approach, presented here, is derived from the adaptation of the building archaeology methodology used for the historic periods and from the utilization of the 3D tools.
L’étude des élévations, avec une méthodologie adéquate, peut dévoiler des données importantes sur les architectures pré et protohistoriques. Les sociétés qui les ont construites et/ou utilisées sont également appréhendables au travers du bâti. Cette nouvelle approche, présentée ici, est issue de l’adaptation de l’archéologie du bâti employée pour les périodes historiques et de l’usage des outils 3D.
Elevations study, with an appropriate methodology, can reveal some important data on the pre and protohistoric architectures. The societies which built and/or used them can be understood through the building. This new approach, presented here, is derived from the adaptation of the building archaeology methodology used for the historic periods and from the utilization of the 3D tools.
Research Interests:
We propose a workflow of tools and procedures to reconstruct an existing archaeological site as a virtual 3D reconstitution in a large scale immersive system. This interdisciplinary endeavor, gathering archaeologists and virtual reality... more
We propose a workflow of tools and procedures to reconstruct an existing archaeological site as a virtual 3D reconstitution in a large scale immersive system. This interdisciplinary endeavor, gathering archaeologists and virtual reality computer scientists, is the first step of a joint research project with three objectives: (i) propose a common workflow to reconstruct archaeological sites as 3D models in fully immersive systems, (ii) provide archaeologists with tools and interaction metaphors to exploit immersive reconstitutions, and (iii) develop the use and access of immersive systems to archaeologists. In this context, we present results from the immersive reconstitution of Carn's monument central chamber, in Finistère, France, a site currently studied by the Creaah archaeology laboratory. The results rely on a detailed workflow we propose, which uses efficient solutions to enable archaeologists to work with immersive systems. In particular, we proposed a procedure to model the central chamber of the Carn monument, and compare several softwares to deploy it in an imersive structure. We then proposed two immersive implementations of the central chamber, with simple interaction tools, and finally describe the European project Visionair which provides access to high level visualization facilities.
Research Interests:
The next "Archéologie et Gobelets" conference will be held at the University of Geneva from January 21, 2021 to January 23, 2021.
Research Interests:
Thirty years after the discovery of the last megalithic monuments in Sion, two new sites were uncovered during preventive work in 2018 and 2019. A new necropolis consisting of two dolmens defines the first site, Don Bosco. The second one... more
Thirty years after the discovery of the last megalithic monuments in Sion, two new sites were uncovered during preventive work in 2018 and 2019. A new necropolis consisting of two dolmens defines the first site, Don Bosco. The second one is in continuation eastwards of the famous Petit-Chasseur necropolis. During these two operations, eight stelae were discovered with their ornamented faces against the ground, therefore exposed to optimal preservation. A protocol was thus created at the beginning of 2020 with a scientific team and restorers allowing us, once the blocks were removed, to consider the detection of possible pigments and the technological aspects of those megaliths. These two years of research revealed the technology used to shape each of the stelae, their history, and, more importantly, established that pigments had been applied to their surfaces, hence confirming the use of color on them. The positive results of those studies lead us to present this new protocol involving archeologists, curators, and restorers.
Research Interests:
The discovery of a multi-chambered long cairn in central Brittany dating to the Middle Neolithic period challenges previous conceptions of the coastal focus of Neolithic society in this region.
Research Interests:
Il s'agit de la version 1.0, des modifications seront apportées selon les commentaires.