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Key figures

Origin and history

The archaeological site of the Croix de la Pierre, located between the communes of Charbonnier-les-Mines and Beaulieu in Puy-de-Dôme, is a remarkable set of Gallo-Roman remains. Listed as a historical monument in 2009 and classified in 2012, it reflects a major ancient occupation in the region. Two Roman ways crossed this area, known from the 14th century under the names "Chemin du Roi" and " Chemin français", linking key cities such as Clermont-Ferrand (Auguststonemetum) to Rodez (Segodunum) or Saint-Paulien (Revessio).

The site is distinguished by the presence of a double cella fanum, a Roman road of more than 700 metres, and an agglomeration consisting of simple buildings on both sides of this road. These remains suggest that the site served as a road relay (mansio or mutatio) on the Clermont-Ferrand - Saint-Paulien axis. The excavations revealed abundant furniture, including coins dating from the emperors Tiberius, Nero, Vespasian, Lucius Verus and Alexander Severus, as well as an incision representing the god Pan and a bronze statuette of Mercury discovered in 1885.

Archaeological discoveries also include housing foundations, amphibolic rock doculist cachets (circa 1978), and a Roman burial containing a funeral urn and a tear vessel (1905). These artifacts, which were discovered during winemaking, illustrate the economic and religious importance of the site. Recent studies, such as those of Florian Baret or Bertrand Dousteyssier, highlight his role in ancient urban planning and his medieval evolution.

The exceptional character of the site lies in the combination of a fanum, a track and an agglomeration, offering a rare overview of Gallo-Roman road and cult infrastructures. The coins and objects found attest to a continuous occupation and trade between the first century BC and the fifth century BC, while revealing funeral and medical practices of the time.

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