The sanctuary of Chapeau (Neuville-sur-Sarthe): Evolution of a cultural complex in the Cenomani territory from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD

The Gallic and ancient sanctuary of Le Chapeau is located on the northern outskirts of Le Mans, the ancient capital of the Aulerci Cenomani: Vindinum. The longevity of the site’s cultic role, during approximately three centuries, is remarkable, and its origin is probably linked to ditched cult enclosures close to a nearby Gallic farm. After the conquest of Gaul, many masonry temples and cult alleys were built. Fervent and rapid successive remodelling transformed this site into an important sanctuary, extending over at least 2 ha, organised in three zones with various buildings, temples and enclosures, and a portico. Numerous objects are linked to the presence of worshippers and officiants (glassware, fibulae, ceramics, writing utensils, rings, coins, tools, weapons). The richness and variety of the data and the restitution of this site’s history allow for initial thoughts on the cult spaces of the Aulerci Cenomani territory, and subsequently the rest of Gaul. They also highlight the variability of cultic expressions between sanctuaries within a culturally coherent region and propose differentiated models of functioning, at the time but also during the same chronological stages.