Les ateliers-maisons des argentières du Colombier (Ardèche)

Abstract

The Colombier hill, located in the Chassezac valley (Ardèche, France), has been temporarily occupied during the High Middle Ages (11th and 12th centuries) in order to mine from a galena vein. Adjoining the mining networks, a building was erected. After several years of excavation, a conclusion has been reached, characterizing the hill’s occupancy and to establishing its functions. From an archaeological and morphological study, as well as the study of the furniture originating from the building (stone tools, slag, ceramic objects, glass, fauna, natural resources, manufactured objects), it has been possible to identify it as a mining site, built in order to process the ore and assist the workers. It was seemingly composed of workshop-houses that were regularly inhabited by small mining companies.