Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The prehistoric cut-off of Camp aux Anglais, located northeast of Mouthiers-sur-Boëme, is an archaeological site of a barred spur type. This type of fortification, typical of prehistoric periods, consists of a natural promontory protected by artificial ramparts. Occupied during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, it illustrates the defensive strategies of the sedentary communities of the time, marked by the emergence of agriculture and livestock.

The site was listed as historic monuments on February 14, 1930, recognizing its heritage importance. Although detailed excavations and studies are not described in available sources, its classification suggests a significant archaeological value to understand the lifestyles and social organization of prehistoric populations in Charente. This type of site was often chosen for its strategic position, offering an unobstructed view of the surroundings and controlled access.

Mouthiers-sur-Boëme, where this entrenchment is located, is a commune whose territory reveals an ancient human occupation, as evidenced also by the shelter under rock of the Chair-à-Calvin (Magdalenian period) and the shelter of the Kings (Aurignacian). These remains highlight the continuity of settlement in this region, from Paleolithic to more recent periods. The Camp aux Anglais is therefore part of a rich archaeological landscape, reflecting the successive adaptations of human societies to their environment.

The region, marked by a limestone plateau and valleys such as the Boëme, provided a variety of resources (water, arable land, forests) for sustainable settlement. Barred spurs, like the English, were places of refuge and territorial control, often associated with agricultural or pastoral activities. Their study provides a better understanding of settlement dynamics and interactions between human groups during prehistory.

No specific information is available on the archaeological excavations at the site or on the artifacts that would have been discovered there. However, its inclusion among historical monuments attests to its interest in the research and preservation of prehistoric heritage. Barred spurs are important markers of ancient cultural landscapes, providing keys to understanding the transitions between Neolithic and Bronze Age.

The name "Camp aux Anglais" may evoke a medieval or modern re-appropriation of the site, although no source confirms a historical link with the English. This name, common in France, often refers to occupations or conflicts after prehistory, unrelated to the original period of use of the site. In Mouthiers-sur-Boëme, this cutback remains above all a silent testimony of the first organized communities in the region.

External links