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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The prehistoric enclosure of the Castels is a historical monument located in the Vaunage valley, near the village of Nages-et-Solorgues, in the department of Gard (Occitanie). This site, perched at an altitude of 160 metres north of the village, offers panoramic views of the surroundings, including Calvisson, Saint-Côme-et-Maruejols, and Nîmes 15 km east. Accessible by CD 40 in the direction of Sommières, it is close to the Oppidum de Nages, stressing its strategic importance in the region.

The enclosure has been classified as historic monuments since 24 December 1913, recognizing its archaeological and heritage value. The excavations carried out between 1958 and 1974 by Mr. Py allowed us to study this site in depth, revealing remains dating back to Prehistory, Iron Age 2, and Antiquity. This research has been documented in scientific publications, including a supplement to Gallia (1978) and an article in the A.R.A.L.O. (1985).

The site of the Castels is part of a landscape marked by an ancient human occupation, with traces of protohistoric and ancient habitats. Its height location suggests a defensive or monitoring role, typical of the enclosures of this period. The proximity of the Roman fountain and surrounding villages indicates integration into a wider settlement network, reflecting the social and territorial organization of the time.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its status as a protected monument and its interest in understanding the prehistoric and ancient societies of the region. The accuracy of its location is estimated as fair (level 5/10), and photos under Creative Commons license, such as those of Clem Rutter, visually document the site. No information is available on its current accessibility or on-site services.

Bibliographical references, such as Mr. Py's work, remain essential for further knowledge on this site. The Castels is also linked to other historical monuments of the Gard, such as the Oppidum de Nages, strengthening its importance in the regional heritage. Its ranking in 1913 made it one of the oldest protected archaeological sites in the Occitanie region.

Finally, the enclosure of the Castels illustrates the techniques of construction and layout of fortified spaces during Protohistory and Antiquity. His study helps shed light on the dynamics of land use and the interactions between the Vaunage communities and neighbouring areas, such as Languedoc-Roussillon historique.

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