Divers Discover 7,000-Year-Old Undersea Wall off the Coast of France

Significant Archaeological Find

In a groundbreaking discovery, divers have unearthed a long-submerged wall approximately 7,000 years old under the sea off the coast of western France. The wall, measuring nearly 400 feet in length, was located near the Ile de Sein in Brittany, along with a dozen smaller manmade structures from the same era. This discovery has prompted excitement within the archaeological community as it provides new insights into ancient coastal societies.

Details of the Discovery

The submerged structures, first identified in 2017 by retired geologist Yves Fouquet through laser-generated ocean floor charts, are the largest underwater constructions ever found in France. Between 2022 and 2024, divers confirmed the presence of these well-preserved granite structures, located nine meters underwater.

“This is a very interesting discovery that opens up new prospects for underwater archaeology, helping us better understand how coastal societies were organized,” stated Yvan Pailler, a professor of archaeology at the University of Western Brittany and co-author of a study on the find published in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology.

Historical Context

The structures date back to between 5,800 and 5,300 BC, constructed during a time when global sea levels were significantly lower than today. Researchers believe these might have served as fish traps or protective walls against rising seas. The study highlights the technical expertise and social organization that enabled ancient communities to extract, move, and erect heavy ststart blocks, similar to those used in later Breton megaliths.

The findings have also led researchers to speculate that these underwater ruins could be the foundation of local legends concerning sunken cities, including the fabled city of Ys, thought to lie in the nearby Bay of Douarnenez. The authors of the study suggest that the memory of a developed society’s abandonment, due to rising sea levels, may have been woven into the region’s folklore.

Broader Implications

The exploration of these ancient structures represents a significant advancement in underwater archaeology, revealing a previously overlooked chapter of human history in the region. This discovery closely follows another remarkable find six months prior, where archaeologists located a 16th-century merchant ship at a depth of over 1.5 miles off southern France, marking the deepest discovery of its kind in that area.

As more research unfolds, this underwater site could reshape our understanding of early human civilization and its adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Further studies are expected to explore the full extent of the structures and their implications for our understanding of prehistoric coastal societies.

For those interested in learning more about archaeology or visiting historical sites, consider exploring various accommodations and attractions in Brittany.