Vincent DAMOUR, Catherine MARCILLE, Véronique PISSOT TWO 3rd CENTURY FUNERARY (?) STRUCTURES AT ROISSY-EN-FRANCE (VAL-D’OISE) AND CHAUCONIN-NEUFMONTIERS (SEINE-ET-MARNE)

Abstract

Excavation of two quadrangular structures at Roissy-en-France ("La Vignole", Val-d’Oise) and at Chauconin-Neufmontiers ("Le Bassinet", Seine-et-Marne), produced pottery assemblages unusual for rural settlement sites. Initial interpretation of the structures as cellars was subsequently questioned: although primary use for storage is certain, connection with cremation ritual is also to be considered. The present paper assembles all available excavation and finds-study data. Detailed examination provides numerous indicators for a funerary context in both cases, whilst underlining the difficulty with interpreting this type of structure.

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