First classification Historic Monument 11 octobre 1965 (≈ 1965)
Legal protection of engravings by decree.
4 novembre 1971
Second classification Historic Monument
Second classification Historic Monument 4 novembre 1971 (≈ 1971)
Strengthening the protection of engravings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Rupest engravings known as Peiro escrito (Box E 684, 685) : classification by order of 11 October 1965 and by order of 4 November 1971
Origin and history
The rock engravings known as Peiro escrito, located in Olargues in the department of Hérault, date from the Prehistory. These works, classified as Historic Monument, are protected by two decrees, one dated October 11, 1965 and the other dated November 4, 1971. Their location is estimated as "a priori satisfactory", with an approximate address indicated as 5615 F Malvies du Terral, in Olargues.
The accuracy of their geographical location is estimated at 7/10, suggesting a relatively reliable, though not perfect, identification. These engravings are inscribed in the Mérimée base under the code Insee 34187, attached to the commune of Olargues, in the Occitanie region (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon).
The rock engravings, often associated with artistic or symbolic expressions of prehistoric societies, offer an overview of the cultural and spiritual practices of the people of the time. In the regional context, these works may reflect local traditions related to hunting, spirituality or representation of the territory, although the details specific to these engravings are not explicitly documented in the available sources.
The classification of these engravings as a Historic Monument underscores their heritage importance and archaeological value. Their legal protection aims to preserve these fragile testimonies from the past, while allowing their study and, in some cases, their accessibility to the public. However, practical information about their visit or their openness to the public is not specified in the sources consulted.
The available data come mainly from the Monumentum database and the internal archives, which provide administrative and geographical elements, but little detail on the interpretation or specific history of these engravings. Their study may require further archaeological research to fully understand its meaning and context.
Finally, these engravings are part of a wider landscape of prehistoric sites in Occitanie, a region rich in archaeological remains. Their presence in Olargues contributes to the knowledge of ancient human occupations in this part of southern France, where the traces of Prehistory are still visible in several protected sites.
