6533b82afe1ef96bd128be81

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Terres et pierres pour matières de cultures : l'apparition et la diffusion de nouveaux modes et matériaux de construction dans le Nord-Est de la Gaule romaine (IIème siècle avant J.-C. - IIème siècle après J.-C.)

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Roman building materials often arose a growing interest through their presence in early contexts, sometimes way before Gallic Wars. Made from natural resources, their final shape corresponds to anthropogenic and cultural constraints. However, even if building materials are not neglected during archaeological excavations, so far they have been considered as playing a minor part in understanding ancient sites. Economical, technical and architectural aspects are regularly mentioned, creating the picture of an exploited « landscape » around the studied areas, but the question of materials as cultural markers witnessing intercultural relations between Rome and Gallic tribes has never really been considered. The forensic listing of archaeological data for the North-Eastern Gaul highlights distinct rythms for the adoption of new construction habits, which are characterized by peculiar material arrangements echoing Roman administrative limits. Moreover, the diversity of the materials used is linked to the local presence or absence of the required resources for their production. On a wider scale, two groups can be defined by opposed terms : Gallic tribes only concerned by local natural resources for the production of building materials and those who transport them, sometimes over great distances. These elements allow us to discuss the issue about the double aspect of identities (civic and provincial) which can be the source of these discrepancies. In the same time, the geographical area concerned by our multi-scale analysis shows various administrative, social and cultural situations testifying of complex relations maintained with Rome and the Roman culture.