The transformation of the Roman world. From Roman …
ABSTRACT interdisciplinary synthesis interweaving diverse sources (archeological data, bioarcheol... more ABSTRACT interdisciplinary synthesis interweaving diverse sources (archeological data, bioarcheological data, environnemetal data....) trying to answer the question : evolution or revolution between the Roman World and the Early medieval period for rural word in Southern France ten years ago
Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France, 2017
Résumé. – Parmi les Insectes xylophages de la famille des Ptinidae, la petite vrillette Anobium p... more Résumé. – Parmi les Insectes xylophages de la famille des Ptinidae, la petite vrillette Anobium punctatum (De Geer, 1774), espèce cosmopolite, est la plus fréquemment rencontrée dans les espaces et lieux patrimoniaux. Par ailleurs, d’autres espèces comme la vrillette brune Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) et la vrillette des bibliothèques Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), se rencontrent souvent dans ces mêmes lieux. Toutes occasionnent de nombreux dégâts sur divers objets patrimoniaux et les traces qu’elles génèrent (trous d‘émergence, taille et forme des déjections, présence ou non de coque de nymphose, etc.) ne sont pas identiques d’une espèce à l’autre. Pour les trois espèces considérées, cette étude présente une approche comparative, morphologique et statistique, de ces traces d’activité permettant ainsi leur différenciation et leur identification en l’absence de larves ou d’imagos.
Abstract. – Analysis of larval frass for identification of wood boring insects of the family Ptinidae (Coleoptera). Among xylophagous insects of the family Ptinidae, the common furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer, 1774), with a worldwide distribution, is the most commonly found species in heritage sites and places. Besides, other species like the furniture beetle Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) and the library beetle Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), are often found in the same places. They all cause extensive damage to various objects, and the traces they leave (flight holes, size and shape of their excrement, presence or absence of pupae, etc.) differ among species. This study presents a comparative, morphological and statistical approach for studying the clues left by these three species so as to differentiate and identify them in the absence of larvae or imagoes.
The open-air settlement of Ponteau (Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône) is located on a plateau at 1 km ... more The open-air settlement of Ponteau (Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône) is located on a plateau at 1 km away from the Mediterranean Sea. The occupation mainly took place during the Late Neolithic, from 2900 to 2600/1800 cal years BCE. During phases 3 and 4, from which the charcoal analysis is available, the occupation seems to be sub-permanent and the site presents various specialized area (domestic space, domestic and craft activities area, pen for the livestock) and remains of buildings, made of stones during phase 3 and characterized by poles during phase 4. The local vegetation dynamic is potentially constrained by the contrasted natural conditions (wind, irregular rainfall, fire) and is thus difficult to perceive. Charcoal analysis enables to discuss the implications of fire frequency and soil conditions on the vegetation dynamic. The impact on ligneous resources of the agro-pastoral management of the territory activities, of building techniques and of household and subsistence activities is also discussed. The observed dynamic shows that the cistus-pistachio tree shrubland that predominates during phases 2 and 3 is colonized by pine stands during phase 4. Pine abundance next to the site may have favoured its use as timber for making the poles that characterize the buildings during phase 4. The decrease of Cistus suggests a decrease of fire frequency. During the last occupation phase, a decrease of pastoral pressure in a climatic context favouring the decrease of fire frequency seems to have allowed a recolonization by pines, leading to a pre-forest vegetation stage which could be, para-climatic in that area.
En Europe, l’approvisionnement en combustible des fours de potiers médiévaux à cuisson réductrice... more En Europe, l’approvisionnement en combustible des fours de potiers médiévaux à cuisson réductrice est mal connu. En effet, les données anthracologiques sont éparses et la documentation textuelle est souvent silencieuse sur ce sujet. C’est pourquoi une approche ethnoarchéologique s’impose pour mieux comprendre cette activité. Une recherche s’est donc développée au Portugal en 2005-2007 où il était encore possible d’observer les derniers artisans potiers cuisant leurs poteries en atmosphère réductrice, comme au Moyen Âge. Les enquêtes orales et les suivis de cuisson ont systématiquement été enregistrées et filmées. Les données obtenues complètent les observations archéologiques. Dix ou vingt jours avant la cuisson, les potiers et leurs familles coupent le combustible à l’aide d’outils ruraux usuels. Aucun choix d’essence n’a été observé. Ce sont de petites brindilles (<2 cm) qui sont collectées et non des branches ou des troncs car les potiers souhaitent une montée rapide en température des fours avant d’en fermer la porte pour que la cuisson réussisse. Cette gestion du combustible et cette conduite au feu conduisent à maintenir le paysage ouvert. Cette recherche a également conduit à observer des éléments immatériels pour la première fois. Mais le résultat le plus important est l’adaptabilité des gestes et la variabilité des pratiques qui doivent être soulignées.
Mots-clefs : combustible, four de potier, cuisson réductrice, ethnoarchéologie, Portugal
In Europe, little is known of the traditional production of black medieval pottery in terms of fuel management. Charcoal analysis of this kind of remains are very few and written documentation is often silent. This is why ethnoarchaeological approach plays an important role when attempting to understand this activity. A new research program has been developed in Portugal (2005-2007) where the last European potters produce black ceramic still using the medieval technical process in a reducing atmosphere. Interviews and observations of cooking potteries, systematically recorded by audiovisual means, enrich the archaeological data. Ten or twenty days before using the kiln, fuel is cut with rural and everyday tools and no specific choice has been noted. The potters and their families collect twigs (diameter < 2 cm), not big branches or trunks, because they want a very quick rise of temperature into the kiln before closing the door. Thus, the cooking potteries process is successful. This type of fire and fuel management lead to maintain an open landscape. Intangible elements have been observed for the first time. But the major result is the variability of the practices that need to be underline.
Key-Words: fuel, pottery kiln, reduced atmosphere, ethnoarchaeology, Portugal
Grâce à la confrontation de trois types de sources, les documents textuels, la microtoponymie et ... more Grâce à la confrontation de trois types de sources, les documents textuels, la microtoponymie et l'anthracologie, la persistance, jusque vers l'an mil, de taxons mésophiles à basse altitude dans tout le pourtour méditerranéen du Massif central a été démontrée. Ces espèces montagnardes ou médioeuropéennes sont principalement le Hêtre, le Sapin et le Noisetier. Elles survivent en conditions édaphiques privilégiées le long des rivières et au bord des lagunes littorales. C'est la grande fièvre défricheuse du XIe siècle qui les éradique définitivement : à partir de 1040-1060, la multiplication des condamines témoigne que les sols lourds d'alluvions sont désormais intégrés à l'agrosystème. Ainsi, à l'actif des paysans du XIe siècle, on doit porter la fixation actuelle de l'étagement de la végétation.
The persistence of mesophilic taxa at low altitude untli the year one thousand in Languedoc was established by comparing three kind of sources : written documents, microtoponymy and charcoal analysis. They were localized everywhere around the whole mediterranen area of the Central Massif. Mountain species from middle Europe were present : mainly beech, fir and hazel tree. They survive in privilegied edaphic conditions along riversides or at the coastal pondsides. The great clearing of the XI century definitively eliminated these species. From 1040-1060, the increase of "condamines" testifies that the heavy soils with alluvial deposits were integrated into the farming system. Therefore, the action of peasants during the XI century laid down the present level of vegetation
The upper Durance valley contains the largest silverelead mines of the French Southern Alps. We i... more The upper Durance valley contains the largest silverelead mines of the French Southern Alps. We investigated the characterisation and impact of these mining activities and associated forestry in the Argentière (L’Argentière-La-Bessée) and Faravel (Freissinières) districts using a multidisciplinary approach that includes archaeological, palynological, geochemical, anthracological and dendrochronological studies applied to mining remnants and a peat bog (Fangeas, in the Faravel district). More specifically, we studied the occurrence of lead contamination episodes, the chronology of mining activities and their link to the evolution in woodland cover. Our chronology is based on mining archaeology, radiocarbon dating of about thirty charcoal samples and the dendrochronological analysis of more than 170 specimens of exhumed waterlogged wood. The anthracological analysis was established with more than 10,000 charcoals from firesetting. The main geochemical approach was based on the analysis of lead and its stable isotopes in sediment fractions from a peat core. The combination of palynological records and lead isotope imprints were used to characterise (i) a Roman contamination episode unknown to archaeology, (ii) the development of medieval mining activities and (iii) the reactivation of mining during
the Modern period and the Industrial Revolution. Medieval mining coincides with an extension of the high mountain agropastoral areas. The in situ continuous human activities in the same industrial territory led to rational communal management of subalpine forests, but also to their parcelling that reached its peak in the High Middle Ages. Mining during the Modern period coincides with significant
stress on woodland areas that also appears to be related to lumber and fuel timber production for shipyards (French Royal Navy) as well as the functioning of several military fortresses. The mining reactivation during the 19th c. matched public measures of forest protection that took shape in the afforestation programme of the uplands
This anthracological study of fuel wood used in the Faravel mines is part of a doctorate research... more This anthracological study of fuel wood used in the Faravel mines is part of a doctorate research programme conducted on the interrelationship between mines and forests of the Southern Alps during the Middle Ages. The study area is situated in the upper Durance valley, a major mining region from the 11th to the end of the 13th century. Man sought and extracted silver-bearing ore from the valley bottoms to the summit of the mountains. He employed firesetting to attack the hard gneiss bedrock. The study of residual charcoal has been used to measure the impact of the mining economy on the development of mountain forests. The example of the small district of Faravel situated in an upper mountainous region (1900–2150 m altitude), illustrates a supply anchored at subalpine level with a gradual extension of the source area towards the timberline. The anthracological spectra document extinction of Pinus cembra L. at subalpine level and the lowering of the upper limit of the dense forest dominated by Larix decidua Mill. These changes are the result of agropastoral and mining pressure, as testified by both surviving manuscripts and archaeology.
In the Occident, the ways of life of forest artisans have left very few traces, either in the ear... more In the Occident, the ways of life of forest artisans have left very few traces, either in the earth or in archives. The mobility of these persons, the fact that their activity was dependent upon the cycle of regeneration of the plant cover and their marginalization provide an explanation. The use of ethnoarchaeological sources is thus vital to guide the textual and archaeological interpretation (ACOVITSIOTI-HAMEAU 1995; FABRE 1996; LUGLI, PRACCHIA 1995; MUSSET 1996). This ethnoarchaeological approach helps the archaeologist to discover, identify and interpret the structures that he finds. From this standpoint, the study of post-depositional processes is necessary to better conduct archaeological excavation and better understand the series of operations that occurred and the associated technical actions. The Moroccan countryside today is a veritable repository of traditional ways of life and technical knowledge in Mediterranean lands, knowledge that has completely disappeared from Western Europe. This is particularly the case for the production of charcoal in the eucalyptus forests of the plain of Mârmora and in the evergreen oak forests of the Middle Atlas, studied in 2008 and 2009 (Fig. 1). In the latter case, the biogeographic and topographic situation is identical to that of the medieval sites for charcoal production being excavated in lower Provence
The transformation of the Roman world. From Roman …
ABSTRACT interdisciplinary synthesis interweaving diverse sources (archeological data, bioarcheol... more ABSTRACT interdisciplinary synthesis interweaving diverse sources (archeological data, bioarcheological data, environnemetal data....) trying to answer the question : evolution or revolution between the Roman World and the Early medieval period for rural word in Southern France ten years ago
Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France, 2017
Résumé. – Parmi les Insectes xylophages de la famille des Ptinidae, la petite vrillette Anobium p... more Résumé. – Parmi les Insectes xylophages de la famille des Ptinidae, la petite vrillette Anobium punctatum (De Geer, 1774), espèce cosmopolite, est la plus fréquemment rencontrée dans les espaces et lieux patrimoniaux. Par ailleurs, d’autres espèces comme la vrillette brune Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) et la vrillette des bibliothèques Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), se rencontrent souvent dans ces mêmes lieux. Toutes occasionnent de nombreux dégâts sur divers objets patrimoniaux et les traces qu’elles génèrent (trous d‘émergence, taille et forme des déjections, présence ou non de coque de nymphose, etc.) ne sont pas identiques d’une espèce à l’autre. Pour les trois espèces considérées, cette étude présente une approche comparative, morphologique et statistique, de ces traces d’activité permettant ainsi leur différenciation et leur identification en l’absence de larves ou d’imagos.
Abstract. – Analysis of larval frass for identification of wood boring insects of the family Ptinidae (Coleoptera). Among xylophagous insects of the family Ptinidae, the common furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer, 1774), with a worldwide distribution, is the most commonly found species in heritage sites and places. Besides, other species like the furniture beetle Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) and the library beetle Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), are often found in the same places. They all cause extensive damage to various objects, and the traces they leave (flight holes, size and shape of their excrement, presence or absence of pupae, etc.) differ among species. This study presents a comparative, morphological and statistical approach for studying the clues left by these three species so as to differentiate and identify them in the absence of larvae or imagoes.
The open-air settlement of Ponteau (Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône) is located on a plateau at 1 km ... more The open-air settlement of Ponteau (Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône) is located on a plateau at 1 km away from the Mediterranean Sea. The occupation mainly took place during the Late Neolithic, from 2900 to 2600/1800 cal years BCE. During phases 3 and 4, from which the charcoal analysis is available, the occupation seems to be sub-permanent and the site presents various specialized area (domestic space, domestic and craft activities area, pen for the livestock) and remains of buildings, made of stones during phase 3 and characterized by poles during phase 4. The local vegetation dynamic is potentially constrained by the contrasted natural conditions (wind, irregular rainfall, fire) and is thus difficult to perceive. Charcoal analysis enables to discuss the implications of fire frequency and soil conditions on the vegetation dynamic. The impact on ligneous resources of the agro-pastoral management of the territory activities, of building techniques and of household and subsistence activities is also discussed. The observed dynamic shows that the cistus-pistachio tree shrubland that predominates during phases 2 and 3 is colonized by pine stands during phase 4. Pine abundance next to the site may have favoured its use as timber for making the poles that characterize the buildings during phase 4. The decrease of Cistus suggests a decrease of fire frequency. During the last occupation phase, a decrease of pastoral pressure in a climatic context favouring the decrease of fire frequency seems to have allowed a recolonization by pines, leading to a pre-forest vegetation stage which could be, para-climatic in that area.
En Europe, l’approvisionnement en combustible des fours de potiers médiévaux à cuisson réductrice... more En Europe, l’approvisionnement en combustible des fours de potiers médiévaux à cuisson réductrice est mal connu. En effet, les données anthracologiques sont éparses et la documentation textuelle est souvent silencieuse sur ce sujet. C’est pourquoi une approche ethnoarchéologique s’impose pour mieux comprendre cette activité. Une recherche s’est donc développée au Portugal en 2005-2007 où il était encore possible d’observer les derniers artisans potiers cuisant leurs poteries en atmosphère réductrice, comme au Moyen Âge. Les enquêtes orales et les suivis de cuisson ont systématiquement été enregistrées et filmées. Les données obtenues complètent les observations archéologiques. Dix ou vingt jours avant la cuisson, les potiers et leurs familles coupent le combustible à l’aide d’outils ruraux usuels. Aucun choix d’essence n’a été observé. Ce sont de petites brindilles (<2 cm) qui sont collectées et non des branches ou des troncs car les potiers souhaitent une montée rapide en température des fours avant d’en fermer la porte pour que la cuisson réussisse. Cette gestion du combustible et cette conduite au feu conduisent à maintenir le paysage ouvert. Cette recherche a également conduit à observer des éléments immatériels pour la première fois. Mais le résultat le plus important est l’adaptabilité des gestes et la variabilité des pratiques qui doivent être soulignées.
Mots-clefs : combustible, four de potier, cuisson réductrice, ethnoarchéologie, Portugal
In Europe, little is known of the traditional production of black medieval pottery in terms of fuel management. Charcoal analysis of this kind of remains are very few and written documentation is often silent. This is why ethnoarchaeological approach plays an important role when attempting to understand this activity. A new research program has been developed in Portugal (2005-2007) where the last European potters produce black ceramic still using the medieval technical process in a reducing atmosphere. Interviews and observations of cooking potteries, systematically recorded by audiovisual means, enrich the archaeological data. Ten or twenty days before using the kiln, fuel is cut with rural and everyday tools and no specific choice has been noted. The potters and their families collect twigs (diameter < 2 cm), not big branches or trunks, because they want a very quick rise of temperature into the kiln before closing the door. Thus, the cooking potteries process is successful. This type of fire and fuel management lead to maintain an open landscape. Intangible elements have been observed for the first time. But the major result is the variability of the practices that need to be underline.
Key-Words: fuel, pottery kiln, reduced atmosphere, ethnoarchaeology, Portugal
Grâce à la confrontation de trois types de sources, les documents textuels, la microtoponymie et ... more Grâce à la confrontation de trois types de sources, les documents textuels, la microtoponymie et l'anthracologie, la persistance, jusque vers l'an mil, de taxons mésophiles à basse altitude dans tout le pourtour méditerranéen du Massif central a été démontrée. Ces espèces montagnardes ou médioeuropéennes sont principalement le Hêtre, le Sapin et le Noisetier. Elles survivent en conditions édaphiques privilégiées le long des rivières et au bord des lagunes littorales. C'est la grande fièvre défricheuse du XIe siècle qui les éradique définitivement : à partir de 1040-1060, la multiplication des condamines témoigne que les sols lourds d'alluvions sont désormais intégrés à l'agrosystème. Ainsi, à l'actif des paysans du XIe siècle, on doit porter la fixation actuelle de l'étagement de la végétation.
The persistence of mesophilic taxa at low altitude untli the year one thousand in Languedoc was established by comparing three kind of sources : written documents, microtoponymy and charcoal analysis. They were localized everywhere around the whole mediterranen area of the Central Massif. Mountain species from middle Europe were present : mainly beech, fir and hazel tree. They survive in privilegied edaphic conditions along riversides or at the coastal pondsides. The great clearing of the XI century definitively eliminated these species. From 1040-1060, the increase of "condamines" testifies that the heavy soils with alluvial deposits were integrated into the farming system. Therefore, the action of peasants during the XI century laid down the present level of vegetation
The upper Durance valley contains the largest silverelead mines of the French Southern Alps. We i... more The upper Durance valley contains the largest silverelead mines of the French Southern Alps. We investigated the characterisation and impact of these mining activities and associated forestry in the Argentière (L’Argentière-La-Bessée) and Faravel (Freissinières) districts using a multidisciplinary approach that includes archaeological, palynological, geochemical, anthracological and dendrochronological studies applied to mining remnants and a peat bog (Fangeas, in the Faravel district). More specifically, we studied the occurrence of lead contamination episodes, the chronology of mining activities and their link to the evolution in woodland cover. Our chronology is based on mining archaeology, radiocarbon dating of about thirty charcoal samples and the dendrochronological analysis of more than 170 specimens of exhumed waterlogged wood. The anthracological analysis was established with more than 10,000 charcoals from firesetting. The main geochemical approach was based on the analysis of lead and its stable isotopes in sediment fractions from a peat core. The combination of palynological records and lead isotope imprints were used to characterise (i) a Roman contamination episode unknown to archaeology, (ii) the development of medieval mining activities and (iii) the reactivation of mining during
the Modern period and the Industrial Revolution. Medieval mining coincides with an extension of the high mountain agropastoral areas. The in situ continuous human activities in the same industrial territory led to rational communal management of subalpine forests, but also to their parcelling that reached its peak in the High Middle Ages. Mining during the Modern period coincides with significant
stress on woodland areas that also appears to be related to lumber and fuel timber production for shipyards (French Royal Navy) as well as the functioning of several military fortresses. The mining reactivation during the 19th c. matched public measures of forest protection that took shape in the afforestation programme of the uplands
This anthracological study of fuel wood used in the Faravel mines is part of a doctorate research... more This anthracological study of fuel wood used in the Faravel mines is part of a doctorate research programme conducted on the interrelationship between mines and forests of the Southern Alps during the Middle Ages. The study area is situated in the upper Durance valley, a major mining region from the 11th to the end of the 13th century. Man sought and extracted silver-bearing ore from the valley bottoms to the summit of the mountains. He employed firesetting to attack the hard gneiss bedrock. The study of residual charcoal has been used to measure the impact of the mining economy on the development of mountain forests. The example of the small district of Faravel situated in an upper mountainous region (1900–2150 m altitude), illustrates a supply anchored at subalpine level with a gradual extension of the source area towards the timberline. The anthracological spectra document extinction of Pinus cembra L. at subalpine level and the lowering of the upper limit of the dense forest dominated by Larix decidua Mill. These changes are the result of agropastoral and mining pressure, as testified by both surviving manuscripts and archaeology.
In the Occident, the ways of life of forest artisans have left very few traces, either in the ear... more In the Occident, the ways of life of forest artisans have left very few traces, either in the earth or in archives. The mobility of these persons, the fact that their activity was dependent upon the cycle of regeneration of the plant cover and their marginalization provide an explanation. The use of ethnoarchaeological sources is thus vital to guide the textual and archaeological interpretation (ACOVITSIOTI-HAMEAU 1995; FABRE 1996; LUGLI, PRACCHIA 1995; MUSSET 1996). This ethnoarchaeological approach helps the archaeologist to discover, identify and interpret the structures that he finds. From this standpoint, the study of post-depositional processes is necessary to better conduct archaeological excavation and better understand the series of operations that occurred and the associated technical actions. The Moroccan countryside today is a veritable repository of traditional ways of life and technical knowledge in Mediterranean lands, knowledge that has completely disappeared from Western Europe. This is particularly the case for the production of charcoal in the eucalyptus forests of the plain of Mârmora and in the evergreen oak forests of the Middle Atlas, studied in 2008 and 2009 (Fig. 1). In the latter case, the biogeographic and topographic situation is identical to that of the medieval sites for charcoal production being excavated in lower Provence
Cadre de vie et manière d’habiter (XIIè-XVIè siècle), acte du VIIIè congrès international de la Société d’Archéologie Médiévale, Paris octobre 2001, Caen, 2006, p. 146-159., 2001
DURAND (A.), CAMPECH (S.), POUSTHOMIS-DALLE (N.), REMY (I.), STEPHANT (P.), BRECHON (F.), LAFFONT... more DURAND (A.), CAMPECH (S.), POUSTHOMIS-DALLE (N.), REMY (I.), STEPHANT (P.), BRECHON (F.), LAFFONT (P.-Y.), DE FRAMOND (M.), DARNAS (I.), POBLE (P.-E.) : « Se chauffer en milieu de Montagne : les habitats seigneuriaux dans le Massif Central méridional (XIIè-XVIè siècle) », Cadre de vie et manière d’habiter (XIIè-XVIè siècle), acte du VIIIè congrès international de la Société d’Archéologie Médiévale, Paris octobre 2001, Caen, 2006, p. 146-159.
Les paysages ont une histoire. Cette histoire est passionnante mais elle est malaisée à restituer... more Les paysages ont une histoire. Cette histoire est passionnante mais elle est malaisée à restituer car elle exige de croiser constamment les données de la documentation écrite et les analyses de laboratoire. L’auteur, historienne et anthracologue, raconte les paysages médiévaux du Languedoc : elle sait faire parler aussi bien les textes que les charbons de bois retrouvés dans les fouilles ; elle démontre combien, dans la genèse de l’espace rural, la phase médiévale (notamment la période centrale des Xe-XIIe siècles) a été décisive. En trois siècles, végétation, écosystème, habitat ont été transformés : ils donnent à lire le paysage comme le grand œuvre des paysans du Moyen Âge, comme le miroir de la société.
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patrimoniaux. Par ailleurs, d’autres espèces comme la vrillette brune Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) et la vrillette des bibliothèques Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), se rencontrent souvent dans ces mêmes lieux. Toutes occasionnent de nombreux dégâts sur divers objets patrimoniaux et les traces qu’elles génèrent (trous d‘émergence, taille et
forme des déjections, présence ou non de coque de nymphose, etc.) ne sont pas identiques d’une espèce à l’autre.
Pour les trois espèces considérées, cette étude présente une approche comparative, morphologique et statistique, de ces traces d’activité permettant ainsi leur différenciation et leur identification en l’absence de larves ou d’imagos.
Abstract. – Analysis of larval frass for identification of wood boring insects of the family Ptinidae (Coleoptera).
Among xylophagous insects of the family Ptinidae, the common furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer, 1774), with a worldwide distribution, is the most commonly found species in heritage sites and places. Besides, other species like the furniture beetle Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) and the library beetle Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), are often found in the same places. They all cause extensive damage to various objects, and the traces they leave (flight holes, size and shape of their excrement, presence or absence of pupae, etc.) differ
among species. This study presents a comparative, morphological and statistical approach for studying the clues left by these three species so as to differentiate and identify them in the absence of larvae or imagoes.
Mediterranean Sea. The occupation mainly took place during the Late Neolithic, from 2900 to 2600/1800 cal years BCE. During
phases 3 and 4, from which the charcoal analysis is available, the occupation seems to be sub-permanent and the site presents various
specialized area (domestic space, domestic and craft activities area, pen for the livestock) and remains of buildings, made of stones
during phase 3 and characterized by poles during phase 4. The local vegetation dynamic is potentially constrained by the contrasted
natural conditions (wind, irregular rainfall, fire) and is thus difficult to perceive. Charcoal analysis enables to discuss the implications
of fire frequency and soil conditions on the vegetation dynamic. The impact on ligneous resources of the agro-pastoral management
of the territory activities, of building techniques and of household and subsistence activities is also discussed. The observed dynamic
shows that the cistus-pistachio tree shrubland that predominates during phases 2 and 3 is colonized by pine stands during phase 4.
Pine abundance next to the site may have favoured its use as timber for making the poles that characterize the buildings during phase
4. The decrease of Cistus suggests a decrease of fire frequency. During the last occupation phase, a decrease of pastoral pressure in
a climatic context favouring the decrease of fire frequency seems to have allowed a recolonization by pines, leading to a pre-forest
vegetation stage which could be, para-climatic in that area.
Mots-clefs : combustible, four de potier, cuisson réductrice, ethnoarchéologie, Portugal
In Europe, little is known of the traditional production of black medieval pottery in terms of fuel management. Charcoal analysis of this kind of remains are very few and written documentation is often silent. This is why ethnoarchaeological approach plays an important role when attempting to understand this activity. A new research program has been developed in Portugal (2005-2007) where the last European potters produce black ceramic still using the medieval technical process in a reducing atmosphere. Interviews and observations of cooking potteries, systematically recorded by audiovisual means, enrich the archaeological data. Ten or twenty days before using the kiln, fuel is cut with rural and everyday tools and no specific choice has been noted. The potters and their families collect twigs (diameter < 2 cm), not big branches or trunks, because they want a very quick rise of temperature into the kiln before closing the door. Thus, the cooking potteries process is successful. This type of fire and fuel management lead to maintain an open landscape. Intangible elements have been observed for the first time. But the major result is the variability of the practices that need to be underline.
Key-Words: fuel, pottery kiln, reduced atmosphere, ethnoarchaeology, Portugal
The persistence of mesophilic taxa at low altitude untli the year one thousand in Languedoc was established by comparing three kind of sources : written documents, microtoponymy and charcoal analysis. They were localized everywhere around the whole mediterranen area of the Central Massif. Mountain species from middle Europe were present : mainly beech, fir and hazel tree. They survive in privilegied edaphic conditions along riversides or at the coastal pondsides. The great clearing of the XI century definitively eliminated these species. From 1040-1060, the increase of "condamines" testifies that the heavy soils with alluvial deposits were integrated into the farming system. Therefore, the action of peasants during the XI century laid down the present level of vegetation
the Modern period and the Industrial Revolution. Medieval mining coincides with an extension of the high mountain agropastoral areas. The in situ continuous human activities in the same industrial territory led to rational communal management of subalpine forests, but also to their parcelling that reached its peak in the High Middle Ages. Mining during the Modern period coincides with significant
stress on woodland areas that also appears to be related to lumber and fuel timber production for shipyards (French Royal Navy) as well as the functioning of several military fortresses. The mining reactivation during the 19th c. matched public measures of forest protection that took shape in the afforestation programme of the uplands
patrimoniaux. Par ailleurs, d’autres espèces comme la vrillette brune Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) et la vrillette des bibliothèques Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), se rencontrent souvent dans ces mêmes lieux. Toutes occasionnent de nombreux dégâts sur divers objets patrimoniaux et les traces qu’elles génèrent (trous d‘émergence, taille et
forme des déjections, présence ou non de coque de nymphose, etc.) ne sont pas identiques d’une espèce à l’autre.
Pour les trois espèces considérées, cette étude présente une approche comparative, morphologique et statistique, de ces traces d’activité permettant ainsi leur différenciation et leur identification en l’absence de larves ou d’imagos.
Abstract. – Analysis of larval frass for identification of wood boring insects of the family Ptinidae (Coleoptera).
Among xylophagous insects of the family Ptinidae, the common furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer, 1774), with a worldwide distribution, is the most commonly found species in heritage sites and places. Besides, other species like the furniture beetle Oligomerus ptilinoides (Wollaston, 1854) and the library beetle Nicobium castaneum (Olivier, 1790), are often found in the same places. They all cause extensive damage to various objects, and the traces they leave (flight holes, size and shape of their excrement, presence or absence of pupae, etc.) differ
among species. This study presents a comparative, morphological and statistical approach for studying the clues left by these three species so as to differentiate and identify them in the absence of larvae or imagoes.
Mediterranean Sea. The occupation mainly took place during the Late Neolithic, from 2900 to 2600/1800 cal years BCE. During
phases 3 and 4, from which the charcoal analysis is available, the occupation seems to be sub-permanent and the site presents various
specialized area (domestic space, domestic and craft activities area, pen for the livestock) and remains of buildings, made of stones
during phase 3 and characterized by poles during phase 4. The local vegetation dynamic is potentially constrained by the contrasted
natural conditions (wind, irregular rainfall, fire) and is thus difficult to perceive. Charcoal analysis enables to discuss the implications
of fire frequency and soil conditions on the vegetation dynamic. The impact on ligneous resources of the agro-pastoral management
of the territory activities, of building techniques and of household and subsistence activities is also discussed. The observed dynamic
shows that the cistus-pistachio tree shrubland that predominates during phases 2 and 3 is colonized by pine stands during phase 4.
Pine abundance next to the site may have favoured its use as timber for making the poles that characterize the buildings during phase
4. The decrease of Cistus suggests a decrease of fire frequency. During the last occupation phase, a decrease of pastoral pressure in
a climatic context favouring the decrease of fire frequency seems to have allowed a recolonization by pines, leading to a pre-forest
vegetation stage which could be, para-climatic in that area.
Mots-clefs : combustible, four de potier, cuisson réductrice, ethnoarchéologie, Portugal
In Europe, little is known of the traditional production of black medieval pottery in terms of fuel management. Charcoal analysis of this kind of remains are very few and written documentation is often silent. This is why ethnoarchaeological approach plays an important role when attempting to understand this activity. A new research program has been developed in Portugal (2005-2007) where the last European potters produce black ceramic still using the medieval technical process in a reducing atmosphere. Interviews and observations of cooking potteries, systematically recorded by audiovisual means, enrich the archaeological data. Ten or twenty days before using the kiln, fuel is cut with rural and everyday tools and no specific choice has been noted. The potters and their families collect twigs (diameter < 2 cm), not big branches or trunks, because they want a very quick rise of temperature into the kiln before closing the door. Thus, the cooking potteries process is successful. This type of fire and fuel management lead to maintain an open landscape. Intangible elements have been observed for the first time. But the major result is the variability of the practices that need to be underline.
Key-Words: fuel, pottery kiln, reduced atmosphere, ethnoarchaeology, Portugal
The persistence of mesophilic taxa at low altitude untli the year one thousand in Languedoc was established by comparing three kind of sources : written documents, microtoponymy and charcoal analysis. They were localized everywhere around the whole mediterranen area of the Central Massif. Mountain species from middle Europe were present : mainly beech, fir and hazel tree. They survive in privilegied edaphic conditions along riversides or at the coastal pondsides. The great clearing of the XI century definitively eliminated these species. From 1040-1060, the increase of "condamines" testifies that the heavy soils with alluvial deposits were integrated into the farming system. Therefore, the action of peasants during the XI century laid down the present level of vegetation
the Modern period and the Industrial Revolution. Medieval mining coincides with an extension of the high mountain agropastoral areas. The in situ continuous human activities in the same industrial territory led to rational communal management of subalpine forests, but also to their parcelling that reached its peak in the High Middle Ages. Mining during the Modern period coincides with significant
stress on woodland areas that also appears to be related to lumber and fuel timber production for shipyards (French Royal Navy) as well as the functioning of several military fortresses. The mining reactivation during the 19th c. matched public measures of forest protection that took shape in the afforestation programme of the uplands
L’auteur, historienne et anthracologue, raconte les paysages médiévaux du Languedoc : elle sait faire parler aussi bien les textes que les charbons de bois retrouvés dans les fouilles ; elle démontre combien, dans la genèse de l’espace rural, la phase médiévale (notamment la période centrale des Xe-XIIe siècles) a été décisive. En trois siècles, végétation, écosystème, habitat ont été transformés : ils donnent à lire le paysage comme le grand œuvre des paysans du Moyen Âge, comme le miroir de la société.