In this recent archaeological discovery, researchers in France successfully uncovered an entire building complex dating back to Roman antiquity. Not only were crafts practiced there, but other businesses were also conducted.
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These ruins were once home to a workshop with an adjoining school. Notably, the recent archaeological discovery uncovered a variety of tools along with numerous smaller objects. Some of these were likely carelessly discarded by those responsible. Fortunately for posterity, the conditions within the well shaft allowed many artifacts to be preserved in exceptional condition.
Among them are wooden tablets that children used for writing exercises in school. This suggests that the building was not only a workshop, but also a school. Some of the tablets were even produced on-site, indicating that when supplies were needed, they simply asked the workshop next door. One specimen even shows traces of ink lines, which is unique in the history of such tablets to date.
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Manufactured-Quality Furniture
In addition to these products, the archaeological find demonstrates how many different items were produced by one establishment at that time. This includes custom-made wooden soles for quality shoes, as the Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives, responsible for the find, reports. Scientists also discovered several boxes, spindles for making fabrics, and finely crafted combs.
According to the researchers, the technical skills required for this production point to a highly developed manufacturing quality, which didn’t change for a long time. The area along the Chemin remained known for its particularly high-quality handcrafted products until the 18th century. Therefore, the recent archaeological discovery reveals not only the history of the region in Roman antiquity but also the beginnings of a long tradition.
Sources: Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives
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