La métallurgie dans l'habitat fortifié de Colletière à Charavines (XIe siècle)

Abstract

Colardelle (Michel), Forrières (Claude) et Verdel (Eric). — Metallurgy in the fortified habitat of Colletière in Charavines (XIth century). Among the various artisanal activities that allowed the settlers on the shores of the Paladru lake in the beginning of the 11th century to nearly reach autarcy, iron metallurgy was essential. Although little physical proof was so far discovered, it's probable that there was a reduction low-furnace for iron production in the Colletiere curtis of Charavines. On the other hand, it's sure that several forges were built on the northern and western sides of building II, covered and protected by large overhanging roofs. Clay working areas, forge fire-places, quartzite anvils, ingot's fragments, rough drafts and finished pieces show a high quality metallurgy which is confirmed by metallographic analyses.