First military offerings IIIe siècle av. J.-C. (fin Tène B2) (≈ 216 av. J.-C.)
Fibules and associated equipment deposited.
Ier siècle av. J.-C. (conquête romaine)
Transition of offerings
Transition of offerings Ier siècle av. J.-C. (conquête romaine) (≈ 51 av. J.-C.)
Disappearance of swords, appearance of small arms.
50–30 av. J.-C. (Tène D2b)
Layer rich in artifacts
Layer rich in artifacts 50–30 av. J.-C. (Tène D2b) (≈ 40 av. J.-C.)
702 currencies and 234 rusts discovered.
Haut-Empire (Ier–IIe siècle ap. J.-C.)
A climax of ritual deposits
A climax of ritual deposits Haut-Empire (Ier–IIe siècle ap. J.-C.) (≈ 250)
70,000 roulelles and diversified furniture.
1973
Site discovery
Site discovery 1973 (≈ 1973)
Identification of the Celtic and Gallo-Roman sanctuary.
6 avril 1982
Site protection
Site protection 6 avril 1982 (≈ 1982)
Registration of historical monuments by decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Archaeological site (ZD 22-24): inscription by order of 6 April 1982
Key figures
Gérard Bataille - Archaeologist
Analysis of the metal furniture of the site.
Romain Guichon - Researcher
Study of roules as voting instruments.
Origin and history
The archaeological site of the Grèves, also called the Shrine of the Grèves, is a place of Celtic worship then Gallo-Roman discovered in 1973 in La Villeneuve-au-Châtelot, in the Aube. Located a dozen kilometers northeast of Nogent-sur-Seine, it consists of a series of nested enclosures, typical of the shrines of this time. The site was listed as a historic monument in 1982, recognizing its heritage and archaeological significance.
During the Tena (iron age) period, excavations revealed military objects such as fibules and swords, dating from the third to the first century BC. These artifacts, combined with feminine trimmings, dishes and tools, are evidence of a change in ritual practices, becoming more diverse towards the end of the Tena. A thick 80 cm layer, dating from 50 to 30 B.C. (Tene D2b), delivered 702 coins and 234 bronze rolls, interpreted as offerings or voting instruments.
During the Gallo-Roman era, the site experienced remarkable growth with the discovery of 70,000 metal roulelles, mostly of offerings, as well as weapons, dishes and wildlife remains. This abundance of furniture suggests an intensification of cultural practices during the High Empire. Ritual objects, such as swords and sheaths, gradually disappear after the Roman conquest, leaving room for jet weapons (javelets, arrows) and coins in precious metals.
Research conducted by archaeologists such as Gérard Bataille and Romain Guichon has allowed us to analyse these sets of metal furniture, providing insights into religious and social practices in East Gaul. The site is now protected and studied for its role in understanding cultural transitions between the Celtic and Gallo-Roman periods.
The precise coordinates of the site place it near Route D40, north of the latter, on the communal territory of La Villeneuve-au-Châtelot. Its state of conservation and its archaeological richness make it a major witness to the cults and exchanges in this region during antiquity.
