L'édification de la plaine deltaïque du Bas Argens (Var, France) durant la Protohistoire et l'Antiquité. Application d'un modèle numérique 2D à l'archéologie

Abstract

The alluvial plain of the lower Argens progressively built up of sediment deposition at the end of the post-glacial advance. Several important archaeological sites like Les Escaravatiers and Forum Julii are found in this low valley. Our research sought to establish how these ancient settlements were established in relation to the alignment of the shoreline. A model integrating delta geometry and sedimentary process is proposed to reconstruct migration of the shoreline. The curve obtained enables one to know at any one time the position of the riverbank line. During protohistory, the riverbank line rapidly progressed downstream. At the peak occupation period of the Escaravatiers site to the sixth to fifth century BC transition period, the riverbank line is clearly downstream from the site and thus cannot explain the choice of the settlement site. Later, ca. 50 BC, the riverbank line was still somewhat upstream from Forum Julii when the city was founded. Maritime access then possible from the lower Agens perhaps explains the choice of its implantation. This study clearly shows that the sediment accumulation and silting up of the lower end of the valley forced modifications in the port installations.

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