The collection «Archaeology in France» is enriched with a new booklet devoted to the archaeological excavations that took place on the ZAC of «Les Prouettes» in Douchy-les-Mines before the construction of a housing subdivision.
This atypical site corresponds to a important stone quarry open-air of theAntiquity whose period of activity is Ier to IIIe century of our era with periods of more or less strong productive activity.
The limestone exploited (secondary chalk) was massively extracted at a depth of 6 meters and on an area of about 13,000 m2. The blocks were transformed on site for construction purposes (rubble, column drums, etc.).
The production probably fed local yards and the cities of Cambrai and Famars. On the side of the farm, 4 richly equipped chamber tombs could correspond to the owners and operators as seems to indicate the presence of miniature tools (dolabre) associated with stone work.
This booklet is also distributed free of charge, subject to availability, upon written request to the regional archaeology service:
Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs
Regional Archaeological Service
3 rue du Lombard
CS 80016
59041 Lille Cedex
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