Second stage of occupation VIᵉ–IVᵉ siècle av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Age of Iron.
1952–1953
First excavations
First excavations 1952–1953 (≈ 1953)
Brief exploration of the site.
1966–1968
In-depth search
In-depth search 1966–1968 (≈ 1967)
Directed by Bernard Dedet.
3 mai 1982
MH classification
MH classification 3 mai 1982 (≈ 1982)
Registration historic monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Oppidum de Vié-Cioutat (Cases D 293, 295 to 300): inscription by order of 3 May 1982
Key figures
Bernard Dedet - Archaeologist
Directed the excavations of 1966–68.
Origin and history
The Popidum de Vié-Cioutat is a protohistoric archaeological site spread over the communes of Mons and partly Monteils, in the Gard (Occitanian region). It is located 9 km east of Alès, on a limestone plateau, within a dense network of regional oppida including those of Alès, Rousson, Vézenobres and a Roman camp near Euzet. This strategic positioning suggests a complex territorial organization during the Protohistory, marked by exchanges and rivalries between sedentary communities.
Archaeological excavations, carried out in 1952-1953 and then thoroughly between 1966 and 1968 under the direction of Bernard Dedet, revealed three distinct phases of occupation. The first dates back to the Chalcolithic period, followed by a second between the sixth and fourth centuries BC, and a third in the first and second centuries C.E. These strata reflect a continuous and adaptive occupation, reflecting the cultural and technological developments of protohistoric and Gallo-Roman societies.
Oppidum was listed as historic monuments on May 3, 1982, recognizing its heritage importance. Bernard Dedet's research, published in specialized journals such as the Narbonnaise Archaeological Review (1973) and Documents d'archéologie sudière (2018), has documented habitat structures, ramparts and artifacts, providing valuable insights into the daily life and social organization of local populations. This site remains a key milestone in understanding settlement dynamics in Languedoc-Roussillon prior to romanization.
