Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

Follioules' cupular blocks are two adorned rocks located in Jongieux, in the Savoy department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. These stones are part of a larger ensemble, the Cupular Blocks of Billième, distributed in circles around the neighbouring village of Billième. The first stone, a cupstone, has 14 circular or oval depressions, a few centimetres in diameter, dug by man. The second stone is engraved with cross-shaped signs.

The dating of these cupules dates back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, a period marked by major transformations in the agricultural, artisanal and symbolic practices of prehistoric societies. These stones bear witness to ritual or symbolic practices, although their exact meaning remains uncertain. Their circled location around Billeme suggests an intentional spatial organization, perhaps linked to territorial beliefs or benchmarks.

Both blocks were classified as historic monuments on May 9, 1939, recognizing their heritage importance. Their protection allows us to preserve these rare vestiges of Prehistory, providing insight into the human activities and artistic expressions of this distant era. These stones are part of a wider network of similar sites in France, highlighting their archaeological and historical value.

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