Construction period Néolithique moyen (vers 4500–3500 av. J.-C.) (≈ 4000 av. J.-C.)
Estimated density of the enclosure.
15 juin 2023
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 15 juin 2023 (≈ 2023)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The archaeological site called "The Wood of Olhain", in its entirety, situated on the State Forest shown in the cadastre section A, plots 158, 160, 173, 147 to 152, 183, 184, 185, 2202, 223, 224, 226 and right-of-way D57E2 and D57: inscription by order of 15 June 2023
Origin and history
The archaeological site of the Bois d'Olhain, located in Fresnicourt-le-Dolmen in the Pas-de-Calais region of France, is a medieval Neolithic enclosure. It is situated entirely on the State Forest, covering several specific cadastral parcels (sections A, parcels 158 to 226, among others). This monument was included in the inventory of Historic Monuments by ministerial decree on 15 June 2023, recognizing its exceptional heritage value for the understanding of local Neolithic societies.
The Middle Neolithic (circa 4500–3500 B.C.) marks a pivotal period when human communities gradually adopt agriculture, livestock and more complex social structures. Premises such as the Wood of Olhain could be used as assembly, defense, or territorial markers. Their establishment on the forest edge suggests a strategic management of natural resources (wood, game) and a collective organization of the territory. These sites also demonstrate technical know-how, such as stone cutting or ditching.
The location of the site, reported with an accuracy considered fair (note 5/10), remains approximate in the public databases, although its official address is attached to the municipality of Fresnicourt-le-Dolmen (code Insee 62356). No information is available on its accessibility to the public, its possible tourist vocations (visits, accommodation), or detailed archaeological excavations. Sources are limited to Monumentum data and cadastral references.
