Espace Archéologique Départemental de Montrozier

Exhibitions 2026 :

THE SOURCES OF THE AVEYRON AND GREENHOUSE RIVERS

5,000 YEARS OF SETTLEMENT

The high valleys of the Aveyron and Serre rivers have yielded remarkable archaeological collections. This territory, which stretches from Sévérac-le-Château to Montrozier, via Campagnac, bears witness to a long period of settlement spanning several millennia. Initially presented at the Sévérac-d'Aveyron museum from 1997 to 2022, these treasures are now being showcased at the departmental archaeological space this season.

Since the 19th century and throughout the 20th, several generations of passionate archaeologists have worked to retrace the past and the development of this area, which have shaped the territory of today. This exhibition takes visitors on a journey into the bowels of this territory, inviting them to experience time from the agro-pastoral communities of the Neolithic, the Celtic and then the Gallo-Roman world, to end its journey on the heights of the hillock and the fortified castle of Sévérac, witness to a three-thousand-year occupation.

These vestiges of a rich past that continues to reveal its secrets are sure to delight young and old alike.

PREHISTORY: THE ROCK SHELTER OF ROQUEMISSOU

The commune of Gages-Montrozier is home to a site frequented by man for several millennia. Nestling against the cliff separating the Causse Comtal from the Lévézou, the Roquemissou rock shelter reveals a rare and fascinating archaeological past.

Visited by the last hunter-gatherers from 12,000 BC onwards, it saw man settle down and welcome farming communities until 2,000 BC.

Describing the various stages of archaeological research, the exhibition presents this exceptional site and the way in which the many specialties of archaeology and new technologies have made it possible to retrace its history.

BRONZE AGE: THE SEBRAZAC ARTICULATED BELT

This remarkable feminine ornament dates from the late Bronze Age (12th-9th c. BC). Found by chance in Sébrazac (Aveyron), this bronze belt, considered ceremonial and reserved for a high-ranking woman, is presented for the first time since its restoration. It is still being studied by the Aveyron archaeology department.

GALLO-ROMAN: THE ARGENTELLE VILLA

Located in the commune of Montrozier, the Gallo-Roman villa of Argentelle was excavated in the 19th century by Abbé Cérès. This work revealed that the villa, occupied from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD, was the largest and most luxurious in the department. The archaeological finds are on display in the museum and are still being studied.

MIDDLE AGES: THE BERTHOL?NE CASTLE MOAT

The origins of Château de Bertholène probably date back to the 13th century. Its strategic position made it a key fortress in the control of the Aveyron valley. Initiated by Jean Pujol, excavations of the moat have brought to light an incredible diversity of everyday objects dating from the Middle Ages to the modern era.