L’apport des dernières fouilles archéologiques à la connaissance des églises abbatiales de Marmoutier antérieures à la reconstruction gothique

Founded by saint Martin towards the end of the fourth century, Marmoutier is one of the very first monasteries in Gaul. It was established on a Roman settlement in use since the first or second century AD and lasted until the French Revolution. Shortly afterwards, most buildings were destroyed, including the vast Gothic abbey church. However, written sources, iconography, standing remains as well as archaeological excavation make it possible to partly reconstruct the organization of the monastery and the transformations of the buildings. In particular, excavation uncovered the two abbey churches preceding the Gothic one. Identified in the seventies by Charles Lelong, these buildings are currently excavated as part of an archaeological research programme initiated about ten years ago. The earliest church was built c. 980 and its plan can be reconstructed with three naves. Several elements referring to liturgical use have been uncovered but their function is not easy to determine. This church was built with both quarry stone and ashlar. Later on, a large crypt was added, using mainly ashlar and showing a rich ornament. Then, the previous church was destroyed - but the crypt kept - to make way to a large Romanesque abbey church in the eleventh century. Finally, the nave was made longer at the same time as a new monastic chancel was laid out.