HYDRAULIC MILLS IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF AUGUSTONEMETUM/CLERMONT-FERRAND, PUY-DE-DOME (2D-3RD CENTURIES AD)

Two recent preventive archaeological excavations carried out in Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dome) made it possible to study the evolution of neighborhoods peripheral to the ancient agglomeration between the end of the 1st century. ap. BC early iith century. and the Lower Empire. Local craft or commercial premises alongside homes. They take place in marshy areas, on the fringes of the primitive nucleus of the Augustan period, invested at the cost of important drainage works. The control of the rivers crossing the two explored rights of way was accompanied by their exploitation. Thus, hydraulic mills were identified on each of these sites, on the one hand thanks to the furniture discovered during the excavations (wood and millstones), on the other hand thanks to the analysis of the preserved built remains. The sites of Fontgieve Street and the ``National Scene'' therefore constitute two new examples of hydraulic installations in urban areas, which make it possible to tackle the question of the use of the driving force of water in the context of various artisanal activities - milling may not be the only one concerned - but also that of the flour supply of large agglomerations.