Period of occupancy XXXVIIIe siècle av. J.-C. (≈ 3751 av. J.-C.)
Site assigned to the Middle Neolithic.
1989
Site discovery
Site discovery 1989 (≈ 1989)
Following an archaeological impact study.
24 octobre 2011
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 24 octobre 2011 (≈ 2011)
Total protection of the submerged site.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The archaeological site immersed in the lake off the banks of the commune of Saint-Jorioz, entirely (Box F, not cadastre) and located around a central point X 898.719; Y 2100.077; Z 444.30 (- 2.39) coordinates Lambert II extended, corresponding to a pile area of 165 m. x 30 m., according to the plan annexed to the decree: classification by order of 24 October 2011
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The Marais archaeological site, located in Saint-Jorioz on the edge of Lake Annecy, is an exceptional testimony of the lakeside towns of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It illustrates the human occupation in a wetland, with remains of habitat and wooden support piles still visible today. These structures, dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, constitute a major heritage of European prehistory, providing insight into lifestyles and construction techniques of the era.
Discovered in 1989 following an impact study, the site of the Marais is specifically attributed to the Middle Neolithic (XXXVIIIth century BC). Archaeological research has enabled us to study both the recovered furniture and the natural environment, facilitating a detailed reconstruction of the coastal occupation at this time. The piles, located on a surface of 165 meters by 30, reveal a structured spatial organization, typical of lake settlements.
Ranked Historic Monument by order of 24 October 2011, the site is fully protected, including the submerged area and its archaeological remains. The precise coordinates (Lambert II extended) and the plans annexed to the classification order define a central area surrounding the piles, highlighting the scientific and heritage importance of the site. Localization, although considered a priori satisfactory (note 6/10), remains a challenge for studies due to its immersion.
This site is part of a wider network of lake towns in the Rhône-Alpes region, characterised by their adaptation to the aquatic environment. The stilt habitats, tools and traces of daily activities found provide an overview of the livelihood strategies, crafts and cultural exchanges of Neolithic communities. The environmental study also highlighted interactions between humans and their ecosystems, including the exploitation of lake resources.
The remains of the Marais, although partially accessible through specialized studies, are not open to the public for regular visits. However, their in situ preservation and continuous study enrich the knowledge of the region's first sedentary societies. The site remains an emblematic example of underwater archaeology, combining scientific approaches and conservation issues.
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