Construction period Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Creation of polishers by prehistoric populations.
1914
Marking of polisher No. 2
Marking of polisher No. 2 1914 (≈ 1914)
Mentioned by A. Doigneau, without precise location.
7 février 1929
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 7 février 1929 (≈ 1929)
Official Protection of Polisher No. 1.
1974
Discovery of Polisher No. 3
Discovery of Polisher No. 3 1974 (≈ 1974)
Identified by B. Monier, now missing.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Polissoir de la Pierre-aux-Prêtres : classification by order of 7 February 1929
Key figures
A. Doigneau - Discoverer
Report polisher #2 in 1914.
B. Monier - Archaeologist
Discover polisher no. 3 in 1974.
Alain Bénard - Megalith specialist
Author of a study on the Seine-et-Marne sites.
Origin and history
The Polissoir de la Pierre-aux-Prêtres is a megalithic site located in Noisy-sur-École, in the Seine-et-Marne department of Île-de-France. Dating from Neolithic, it consists of three sandstone slabs, two of which are partially or totally missing. These polishers were used to sharpen and polish stone tools, a common practice in prehistoric societies for the manufacture of utility or ritual objects.
The first polisher, still visible, is a flat slab of 3.10 meters long, with five grooves and polished surfaces. It was classified as historical monuments in 1929. The second, reported in 1914, had no precise description or location. The third, discovered in 1974 near the first, had two grooves and a bowl, but has now disappeared.
These remains illustrate the importance of megalithic sites in the region, where Fontainebleau sandstone was often used for its resistance. Their study, notably by archaeologists such as Alain Bénard, allows to better understand the craft techniques and lifestyles of neolithic populations in Île-de-France.
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