The extensive underground refuge discovered by chance in late 2005 in the heart of the village of Mesnil-Domqueur may be considered as an example of what is called in Picardy a “muche” (i.e. a “hiding-place”). The most interesting point about this site is that it did not undergo the modifications usually entailed by later occupation or reutilisation. It is fully accessible, and was found in an excellent state of preservation. For the first time, it has been possible to undertake an architectural and archaeological survey of an underground complex which has remained sealed since the beginning of the eighteenth century. Thus, thanks to the first-rate data collected, we are able to establish a precise chronology of the successive periods of occupation and to propose hypotheses as to the initial purpose of such underground works, which were designed during the wars of the second third of the seventeenth century.

Traduction : Margaret & Jean-louis CADOUX