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Origin and history

The goulet polisher, also known as the Fond du Goulay polisher, is a megalithic monument located in Noisy-sur-École, in the Seine-et-Marne department of Île-de-France. This site, dated Neolithic, consists of a slab of sandstone outcropping the ground, marked by eight grooves, three polished basins, a polished surface and two natural basins. These features are rare evidence of the polishing techniques used by prehistoric societies to shape stone tools.

The polisher was recognized for its archaeological importance and classified as historical monuments by order of 12 September 1924. This classification underscores its heritage value and its role in understanding Neolithic artisanal practices in Île-de-France. Studies such as Alain Bénard in Les megalithes de Seine-et-Marne (2009) help document this type of site in the region.

The location of the polisher, although known (address referenced in the Merimée database: 77123 Noisy-sur-École), remains unclear in terms of geographical coordinates, with an accuracy assessed as "passable" (note 5/10). The site is mentioned in the inventories of the megalithic monuments of Seine-et-Marne, but little practical information on its visit or accessibility is available from the sources consulted.

Polishers, such as the Goulet, were essential collective tools for Neolithic communities. They were used to sharpen and polish axes, herminettes or other stone objects, reflecting a social organization based on cooperation and specialized handicrafts. In Île-de-France, this period is marked by the emergence of agriculture, sedentarization and the development of sophisticated lithic techniques, of which polishers are an emblematic example.

The protection of the Goulet polish in 1924 is part of a broader approach to preserving prehistoric remains in France, initiated at the beginning of the 20th century. These rankings were intended to save from the destruction or oblivion of fragile sites, often threatened by urbanization or agricultural activities. Today, this monument is an important milestone for the study of megalithism in Seine-et-Marne, alongside other sites listed in the region.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, rely on archaeological references such as Alain Bénard's work. He identified the department's megaliths in a 2009 book, providing a scientific framework for understanding their distribution and function. Despite this, some data, such as the current state of preservation or access, remain partial or missing from public records.

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