Archaeological excavations in Écouché-les-Vallées, Normandy, have uncovered evidence of ancient human habitation dating back 7,000 years, including Neolithic dwellings and a Bronze Age royal tomb.
In Écouché-les-Vallées, located in the Orne department of Normandy, archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) have made significant discoveries, including Neolithic houses and a royal tomb from the Bronze Age, indicative of 7,000 years of human civilization. This seemingly ordinary commune, characterized by its lush countryside and sparse population, is now revealed to have a rich historical narrative lying beneath its fields.
The excavation, ongoing for 25 years, is connected to the expansion of a limestone quarry. Led by Emmanuel Ghesquière, the archaeological team has been working under less glamorous conditions than those associated with iconic archeology in popular culture, focusing instead on methodical digging in the muddy grounds of the region. This project has been sanctioned by the state due to the significant historical value of the artifacts unearthed, which highlight the extended human occupation in Normandy.
These findings not only enrich the understanding of early human life in this part of France but also underscore the importance of archaeological research in preserving history. As the excavations progress, they continue to unveil more about the lifestyle, social structures, and rituals of the inhabitants who thrived in this region thousands of years ago, illuminating a key part of France's prehistoric past.
