Ensemble monastique ou domaine privé du haut Moyen Âge ? Le site des Communaux – ZAC PIDA à Aoste (Isère)

Abstract

A developer funded archaeology operation carried out in Aosta in 2016, over an area of approximately 17,000 m², uncovered an early Christian church whose foundations on posts could be dated by carbon-14 from the end of the 5th to the beginning of the 6th century. Twenty-three burials from the Early Middle Ages are related to this building. They are mainly located outside, against the walls; a few, probably privileged, are located inside, by the porch and nave. The presence of immature individuals (12) and adults (17 individuals) should be noted upon. This church is located within the ditched enclosure that covers that area of approximately 2,700 m². It is associated with a few residential buildings on posts, located about twenty meters away. Several phases are undoubtedly considered, with apparently a maximum of four buildings operating simultaneously. Another building on posts, of larger dimensions, located in the axis of the entrance to the church, could take on a community role. Other installations evoking agricultural and/or pastoral activities were also highlighted, as well as the foundations of a probable tower and a well. The overall duration of occupation of the site extends to the 7th and probably until the 9th-10th centuries. It is suggested to interpret the site as a monastic complex, which would make it one of the earliest in France and one of the few fully excavated. However, the possibility that it is an aristocratic estate with a small private oratory remains possible.