Construction period Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Estimated dating of the tomb cave.
27 novembre 1981
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 27 novembre 1981 (≈ 1981)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Burial cave of Bouillon (Box ZA 8): classification by order of 27 November 1981
Origin and history
The Bouillon Cave is an archaeological site located in the commune of Vichel-Nanteuil, in the department of Aisne, in the Hauts-de-France region. This monument, dated from the Neolithic period, is a cave that was used as a burial, bearing witness to the funeral practices of this prehistoric period. Its classification as historical monuments in 1981 underlines its heritage and archaeological importance.
The cave is located precisely at 2 Rue Dusolon, although GPS coordinates available on Monumentum indicate poor accuracy (level 5/10). It is referenced under Cadastre ZA 8 and associated with Insee code 02796 of the municipality. No information is available on its current accessibility or tourist use.
Neolithic, the period from which this cave dates back, marks a major transition in human history with the adoption of agriculture, sedentarization and new funeral practices. The tomb caves, like that of the Bouillon, were often collective places of deposit for the deceased, reflecting the beliefs and social organization of the communities of the time. These sites provide valuable insights into the rituals and daily life of neolithic populations in Picardia.
The protection of this monument in 1981 is part of an effort to preserve the French archaeological heritage. The tomb caves are rare and fragile remains, the study of which allows to better understand the first peasant societies in Western Europe. Their classification aims to avoid their degradation and to allow their in-depth scientific study.