In the years 1988-1990 a villa was excavated to the south-east of Boécourt at the locality Montoyes. Much of the surrounding countryside was covered by a forest. The villa was situated in a large clearing near a small lake, the shore of which was covered with reeds. The complex was enclosed by ditches and walls.
Map with the archaeological remains. Paccolat et al. 1991, Fig. 2.
A: main building; B: baths; C: hut; D: square enclosure; E: area with pits; F-G: walls and ditches; H: small lake, situation in 1851.The main building (A; 20.50 x 15.50 m.) was built on a slope, which necessitated two buttresses, set against the west facade. In a large hall were four column bases. To the south was a corridor. Some 50 meters to the south of the main house was a series of rooms (B), one with a hypocaust. Pits to the east were used a silos and refuse dumps.
The remains of the main building. Photo: Paccolat et al. 1991, Fig. 17.
The buildings seem to have been used from the middle of the first to the middle of the third century. No traces of violent destruction were found. Perhaps the inhabitants had fled before the arrival of Alemannic invaders.
Reconstruction drawing of the complex. Paccolat et al. 1991, Fig. 96.
Literature
Paccolat 1989; Paccolat et al. 1991; Juillerat et al. 1997, 24-25; Demarez 2001, 72-73.
[9-Dec-2023]
