Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The island of Er-Yoh, also known as Le Mulon, is a small island area located in the immediate vicinity of the island of Houat, Morbihan. At low tide, a sandy isthmus connects it to the beach of the Gouret, facilitating its access from the coast. Cultivating 22 metres above sea level, it is part of the Houat Archipelago and administratively dependent on the town of Houat Island. Its relief and geographical location have made it a strategic place for ancient human occupations.

Archaeological excavations conducted in 1924-1925 by Zacharie Le Rouzic revealed a settlement dating back to the end of the fourth millennium BC. The site contains significant remains, including ceramics and wildlife bones, attesting to a human occupation likely related to seal hunting. These animals, then abundant in the region, were a major resource for local prehistoric populations. The importance of archaeological remains suggests at least a seasonal, if not permanent, use from the early days.

Er-Yoh Island was classified as a historic monument in 1927, recognizing its exceptional heritage value. This classification protects the integrity of prehistoric remains, which offer a rare testimony of the ways of life and activities of neolithic communities in Brittany. Site research, such as Katerine Boyle's on the seal hunt, continues to enrich the knowledge of this pivotal period in regional history.

Today, the island remains a natural and historic place of interest. Although the practical information on his visit is limited, his location in the Houat archipelago and his protected status make him an emblematic site for the study of Prehistory in Brittany. Available data, from sources such as Merimée or Wikipedia, highlight its role in understanding old coastal occupations and their adaptation to the island environment.

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