French archaeologists uncover remains of a 4th-century residential building in Corsica

French archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a residential building dating back to the 4th century AD in the Meria area of the Cap Corse peninsula on the island of Corsica, a discovery that sheds light on daily life patterns and coastal activity in the region during late antiquity.

Excavation Details and Site

A report published on Monday by HeritageDaily, a website specializing in archaeological news, based on information from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap), stated that excavation work carried out in May and June last year revealed the building near the Meria harbor, at a distance of less than 100 meters from the coast, and close to an old docking facility discovered at the site in 2025.

Structure and Findings

The report clarified that the discovered building covers an area of at least 50 square meters and consists of two sections. It was built on a layer of schist rock, which builders used to create foundations and parts of the walls. Large stone slabs, believed to have been used to divide internal spaces, were also found.

Researchers found pottery remains associated with food preparation, glass vessels, iron tools, and part of a grinding stone inside the building, in addition to fragments of Roman tiles. These findings support the interpretation of the site as a building with residential functions.

Trade Connections and Future Prospects

The findings gain additional importance due to the building's proximity to a docking facility dating to roughly the same historical period, opening the possibility of studying the site's connection to broader coastal activity. Pottery fragments found at both sites indicate exchange links with other areas of the Mediterranean basin.

Researchers continue to study the archaeological finds and surrounding environmental data near the docking facility, aiming to determine the nature of the site more precisely and understand the evolution of the coastal landscape and settlement patterns in the region during antiquity.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)