Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Larina is a 21 hectare archaeological site in the north of Isère, in the Rhône-Alpes region (now Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Built on a 200-metre rocky spur overlooking the Rhone, it is protected by a 950-metre rampart. Ranked a historical monument in 1983, it extends over the communes of Hières-sur-Amby and Annoisin-Chatelans. Quarries damaged the site in the early twentieth century, before systematic excavations from the 1970s.

The site shows sporadic occupation as early as the recent Neolithic, followed by a habitat of huts at the final bronze age, with a possible first rampart. At the Iron Age (Latenian period), it becomes an allobrogated oppidum, a place of gatherings and markets, associated with a Celtic sanctuary. Remnants include funeral deposits (arms, ceramics) in cliff chimneys, such as the Hole of Chuire.

In the Roman era, a sanctuary dedicated to Mercury (III century) was erected, marked by an altar and scattered building blocks. Between the middle of the 4th and the end of the 5th century, the site houses a late-old agricultural establishment: torchi huts, necropolises ("La Motte 1 and 2"), and a fanum (traditional temple). An exceptional burial, with violent funeral rites (decapitation, tied feet), suggests an individual feared or punished.

In the sixth century, a Burgundian villa replaced the agricultural establishment, with a large stone building (1,500 m2) and agro-pastoral activities. Funeral churches ("Mollard 1 and 2") and a mausoleum appear, reflecting an organized Franco community. The Latenian rampart is rebuilt with re-used ancient blocks. Metal furniture and anthropological studies reveal a mixed population, including frank warriors.

In the 8th century, the site was abandoned voluntarily: walled buildings, tools moved, and walls left behind. The current municipalities of Hières-sur-Amby and Annoisin-Chatelans now own them. Turned into an archaeological park after 18 years of excavations (1977–1995), the site houses the Maison du Patrimoine, a museum presenting the discovered objects.

External links