The remains of a "palace" were discovered after 1500 years on top of a forest hill

On a hill overlooking the Oche Valley in the Burgundy region of France, archaeologists have discovered the remains of an early medieval complex that may have been a residence or palace belonging to a powerful family. The complex includes large stone buildings, a Christian church, and the remains of a Roman-style underfloor heating system.

This area is located on the hill of Montan de Saint Laurent, near Mesmoun village and about 20 kilometers west of Dijon city. Archeological excavations under the supervision of Antoine Gichteau show that this settlement prospered from the fifth century to the beginning of the eighth century; The period associated with the collapse of Roman authority in Western Europe and the formation of new political structures.

The broad peak of the Mont-de-Saint-Laurent hill, with its steep slopes and wide view over the surrounding areas, provided a suitable position for establishment and defense. Although researchers have studied this hill since the 19th century, the excavations that began in 2019 revealed the importance of the settlement more than previously imagined.

During the excavations, the remains of a stone building measuring approximately 15 x 12 meters were discovered next to an early Christian church. The thickness of the walls and the quality of the mortar used show that the building is a solid structure and it is possible that it has another floor.

In the south of the church, the remains of another building with a length of more than 20 meters have been identified. Since excavations have not yet revealed all parts of this building, its full width is not known.

Together, these buildings formed a complex of several hundred square meters. Their proximity to the church suggests that the residential and religious spaces were part of a larger center where the wealthy and influential people of the region lived.

Roman style underfloor heating system

One of the most important findings of this area is the remains of the heating system that was used in the baths and houses of the Roman nobles. Archaeologists have identified small stone foundations, fragments of clay pipes, and remains of raised floors that were part of a system known as a hypocaste.

In this way, warm air passed through the space under the floor and kept the upper rooms warm. The construction and maintenance of such a system cost a lot, and its use shows that the residents of this complex had facilities that were not available to most people of that time.

The importance of this finding is that the heating system was used in a period that is usually identified with the decline of Roman institutions in Western Europe. Archaeological evidence shows that some Roman engineering techniques were still used in the construction of the residences of the local elite, even after the collapse of the empire.

Previous excavations also reported the existence of a building dating back to the fifth century AD with a heated floor. This building was later replaced by a larger residence that dates back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The new building was about 22 meters long and consisted of a central room, side spaces and a porch in the front part.

The discovery of weapons and clothing decorations in residential areas also indicates the presence of wealthy and influential families.

Masmon during the transition from the Roman Empire

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Burgundy entered a period of political upheaval. The Burgundians formed a kingdom in this region, but their territory was captured by the Franks in 534 AD.

Despite these changes, Roman traditions did not die out quickly and continued to influence the architecture, religious practices, and administration of the regions. Mesmoun's collection is an example of the continuation of these traditions in a society whose political and social structure was changing.

Excavations are still ongoing and researchers are trying to clarify the exact use of the buildings and how this center has evolved over the centuries. If the hypothesis that the complex was a palace is confirmed, the site could provide valuable information about elite life, the persistence of Roman technologies, and the formation of power centers in early medieval Europe.