Oppidum des Caisses de Jean-Jean, Archaeological site on limestone cliffs in Mouriès, France.
Oppidum des Caisses de Jean-Jean is an archaeological site on limestone cliffs in Mouriès, built across a rocky spur where two limestone cliff faces converge to form a natural acropolis. The site displays remnants of defensive walls and multiple ancient settlement areas positioned across this elevated terrain.
The site underwent multiple fortification phases spanning from around 600 BC to 100 BC, with the final major reconstruction taking place between 180 and 150 BC. These successive building campaigns across several centuries demonstrate how the settlement adapted to changing circumstances over time.
Carved limestone blocks at the site depict mounted warriors holding javelins, suggesting a religious sanctuary existed here around the 7th or 6th century BC. These carvings reveal how people of that time connected warfare with spiritual beliefs.
Visitors can explore the archaeological remains via marked walking trails that connect different sections of the ancient fortified settlement across the site. The paths are relatively straightforward to follow and offer changing perspectives of the entire location.
The defensive system features four successive ditches with earthen banks alongside a line of jagged rocks that functioned as a protective barrier against attackers. This combination of engineering methods created multiple layers of defense suited to the site's elevated rocky position.
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