Construction of oppidum VIᵉ-IVᵉ siècles av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Period of Ligurian occupation
IVᵉ siècle apr. J.-C.
Abandonment of the site
Abandonment of the site IVᵉ siècle apr. J.-C. (≈ 100)
End of continued occupation
1963-1979
Archaeological excavations
Archaeological excavations 1963-1979 (≈ 1971)
Discovery of pottery and ceramics
29 novembre 1996
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 29 novembre 1996 (≈ 1996)
Partial protection of remains
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Archaeological vestiges of the oppidum (cf. Cavalaire AD 150, 151 placed L'Eau Blanche, 70, 71, 159, 35, 37 placed Montjean, according to a 50 m wide strip. along the communal boundary between La Môle and Cavalaire; La Môle B1 539, 598 placed La Patronne, 66 placed Maraveou on a 150 m wide strip bordering the communal boundary between La Môle and Cavalaire): inscription by decree of 29 November 1996
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any specific historical actors
Origin and history
The Oppidum de Montjean is a major archaeological site situated on horseback in the communes of Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Môle, in the department of Var. Built by the Ligurians, this fortified site dates back to the 6th and 4th centuries BC and bears witness to the pre-Roman occupation of the region. The remains reveal a defensive organization typical of the oppida, with dry stone walls, characteristic of the ligature constructions of the era.
Archaeological excavations carried out between 1963 and 1979 revealed pottery and ceramics, both local and of Phocean origin, suggesting trade, especially around wine. These artifacts illustrate the cultural and economic links between the liguri and Greek settlers on the Mediterranean coast.
The site seems to have been abandoned in the fourth century AD, marking the end of its continued occupation. In 1996, the oppidum was partially listed as historic monuments, thus recognizing its heritage importance. The protected remains cover a precise area along the communal boundary between Cavalaire-sur-Mer and La Môle.
Montjean's L-oppidum is a remarkable example of ligure military architecture, reflecting the strategies of defending and implanting indigenous tribes in the face of external influences. His study offers valuable insight into the cultural and economic dynamics of the region during antiquity.
Today, the site remains an object of study for archaeologists and a tangible testimony of the pre-Roman past of Provence. Although partially preserved, it is an essential historical heritage to understand the origins of human occupation in this part of the Mediterranean.
