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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The protohistoric camp of Kastel-Ker-Nevé, nicknamed the César camp, is a former stronghold in the municipality of Saint-Avé, Morbihan. Probably from the iron age, this triangular plan site is perched at 105 m above sea level, covering about one hectare. Its present state, marked by slopes, ditches and vegetation of ferns and moors, bears witness to its past defensive role. The eastern end, overlooking the forested valleys, serves today as a bird observation point.

Strategically positioned, the camp dominates Lihuanten Creek by 50 metres and offers views of the Gulf of Morbihan. Naturally protected to the east and north by steep slopes, it was accessible only from the west. In the south, artificial ditches and ramparts reinforced his defence. Its origin remains uncertain: although 19th century archaeologists attributed it to the Venetians or the Romans, no modern study confirmed these hypotheses.

Ranked a historical monument in 1973 and a communal property since 1997, the site is surrounded by local legends, such as an underground chapel or a treasure guarded by the devil. Another legend links him to the chapel of Mangolerian, on the other side of the valley. Despite its ranking, the camp is not highlighted and remains little known to the general public.

The historical powers of the site varied: in the 19th century, some saw it as a venetian building, while others thought for a Roman origin, popularizing the name camp of Caesar. Today, its past use remains unclear, although its configuration suggests a military or surveillance role during the Protohistory. No recent archaeological excavation has clarified its history.

The camp illustrates the ancient human occupation in Brittany, where high defensive sites were common to control communication routes and resources. Its location near Vannes, an important pole since Antiquity, reinforces its potential strategic interest. Despite his lack of maintenance, there remains a material testimony of protohistoric fortification techniques.

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