ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS
July 10-24, 2016
ACULONTRA (CORSICA)
Bronze Age settlement

The site of Aculontra is located in Gavignano, in Upper Corsica (Haute-Corse). It spreads over around 2000 m2. Three distinct archaeological entities have been identified: a medieval tower standing at its highest point, a cluster of 6 to 8 rectangular constructions thought to be protohistoric raised on the south slope of the massif and a statue-menhir that is no longer present.
The focus of the excavation is the protohistoric site which is situated on the southwest side, overlooking the Golu River. It includes at least six structures, of which four are lined up. Downhill and to the West, one or possibly two additional structures were almost entirely destroyed and reused during medieval or modern times. Constructions are of rectangular shape with right-angled quoins. A long side, which is regularised and cladded, always sits against the slope. Doors, even perhaps windows, are visible on the long sides. Walls are made with dry stone blocks of medium (30-50 cm) to very large size (up to 150 cm) with a random coursing. The angle stones are of parallelepiped shape. Elevations have been preserved up to a height of 3 m. The construction close to the summit is the only one to show double faced stone walls. In addition, the site includes several small rock shelters and some of them have revealed splinters of human skulls as surface finds.
The excavation will consist in archaeological surveys (planimetry, altimetry, sections) along with a limited stratigraphic exploration of one of the rectangular structures. The objective is to define the chronology and function of the site in a region (Castagniccia) where very little is known about the Bronze Age period.
Participation requirements:
Student in archaeology, 18 years old minimum, antitetaneous vaccination, 2 week participation minimum, accommodation (campsite and gite) and meals are covered by the excavation.
For further information, please contact the scientific leader of the excavation:
Kewin PECHE-QUILICHINI (baiucheddu@gmx.fr)