Archaeologists excavating a hilltop settlement in eastern France have uncovered what may have been an early medieval palace, alongside an early Christian church and evidence of Roman-style underfloor heating. The discoveries at Mount Saint-Laurent, near Mesmont in Burgundy, suggest that wealthy and influential residents occupied the site between the fifth and eighth centuries.
Excavations in 2026 revealed a masonry building measuring 15 meters (49 feet) long and 12 meters (39 feet) wide beside a previously identified church. Its thick walls and high-quality mortar suggest that it may have supported an upper floor. Researchers also identified another substantial structure south of the church. It extends more than 20 meters (66 feet), although its full width remains unknown.
Ancient heating system points to wealthy occupants
The buildings form part of a carefully arranged complex covering several hundred square meters. Archaeologists recovered small support pillars, pipe fragments and remains of raised concrete floors. These discoveries indicate the presence of a hypocaust, an underfloor heating system developed in Roman times. Similar Roman heating technology has been uncovered at archaeological sites across Europe.
Such installations required skilled builders and specialized materials, suggesting that the occupants had considerable financial resources. Pottery finds, including fine ceramics produced in France’s Argonne region, and radiocarbon dating indicate that the complex was established in the fifth century and remained occupied until the early eighth century.
Excavations reveal a large early medieval church
A stone building discovered in the 1970s was identified as a probable church following excavations between 2019 and 2024. Researchers uncovered a chancel screen and foundations of a possible liturgical bench, supporting its religious function. The church measures 27.5 meters (90 feet) long and 12.4 meters (41 feet) wide across its nave. Other archaeological discoveries beneath a medieval church in Dijon have also revealed evidence of religious activity in Burgundy during Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages.
More than 500 glass fragments have been recovered at Mount Saint-Laurent since 2019. About 50 pieces of flat glass may have belonged to church windows. Other finds include fragments of lamps and tableware. Ancient glass discoveries in other parts of Europe have demonstrated the sophisticated craftsmanship of Roman glassmakers.
Medieval records reveal Mesmont’s regional importance
Historical documents identify Mesmont as the center of a territory called pagus magnimontensis, meaning “land of the great mountain.” Religious accounts also connect the settlement to influential figures, including Bishop Gregory of Langres and his grandson Eustace, who became a monastic leader in Dijon. Researchers believe Mesmont later declined as activity possibly shifted toward nearby Sombernon.
The discoveries offer a rare opportunity to examine how wealthy communities, religious institutions, and regional power developed in Burgundy after Roman rule. Other excavations in France have similarly revealed how settlements evolved from the Roman period into the Middle Ages.
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