Investigating prehistoric salt production in the Seille Valley (France)

This website is intended for those interested in ongoing research into one of Europe’s most important Iron Age (750 BC-50 AD) salt production centres, the Seille Valley in northeast France. The Seille Valley literally means the “Salt Valley”. This inland site is of international importance due to the scale and intensity of Iron Age salt production activities, and the massive quantity of associated archaeological remains.

This interactive website presents the results of research into the environmental history of the Seille Valley and the impact of salt production on the landscape. It is designed to be an interactive information and educational resource.

Here you can find out about:
• The prehistory of salt production in Europe (before 50 AD)
• Prehistoric salt production in the Seille Valley
• The environmental history of the Seille Valley and the impact of salt production on the landscape
• How we have reconstructed the environmental history of the Seille Valley
• How we have detected evidence for past human impacts on the environment using clues in the modern landscape

Use the menu above to unlock the secrets of The Salt Valley.

Excavation of Iron Age salt furnaces in the Seille Valley, northeast France (Photo: J. Kovacik)