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A l e s i a
The Jurassic hypothesis

The Celtic world collapses during the Alesia Battle in 52 B. C. Gaul fell under the sway of Rome.
However the location of this key historical event has never been clearly identified.

In order to ascertain where the Alesia Battle took place, two differing methods were used :

per fas et.... nefas
(used by Napoleon III)

goddess alesia

ad litteram
(used by André Berthier)

First, one decides that the battle took place at Alise-Sainte-Reine in the Côte d'Or district of Burgundy, because:

*       the two names [Alise-Sainte-Reine and Alésia] are similar and

*       a poem, written by Herric d'Auxerre, an 9th Century monk, confused Alisiia (Alise) and Alésia.

Then, one digs and one falsifies the excavations in order to please Emperor Napoléon III. Later, when the results of the excavations do not match the antique texts, one proclaims that the antique texts are false.

Since the mid-19th Century, official archaeology has asserted, in contradiction with the antique texts, and maintains with all means possible, that :

Alise Sainte Reine = Alesia !

First, one reads the Commentary on the Gallic War, by Julius Cæsar, and other antique texts to extract specific details relating to Alesia's description and to identify the itinerary used by the Roman legions retreating from Langres towards Geneva.

Then, one reviews topographical maps and identifies the promontory of Chaux-des-Crotenay in the Jura as the site of the battle, because:

*       its topography and

*       its military significance
match the information in the texts.

Little by little, one excavates, on those rare occasions when the government provides authorization. The results of these borings and digs match military reconstitutions, based on a careful examination of the texts.

One authenticates Professor André Berthier's hypothesis ... in spite of the fact that the official science always refused to consider it and still does.

Chaux des Crotenay = Alesia ?

satisfies both the texts and the military probabilities ... at least for a small group of objective minds, alive to the historic truth.

 

The challenging question

Since 1855, French archaeology has located Alésia in Burgundy, at Alise-Sainte-Reine, and still clings obstinately to this location, despite all the evidence.

Alise-Sainte-Reine was chosen to satisfy the literary and historical pretensions of Emperor Napoleon III, with the compliance of historians and archaeologists keen to court him, ready to stand by numerous errors and rash assertions.

While many objects were recovered, including weapons and coins, of differing periods, from the excavations at Alise-Sainte-Reine, they did not correspond to the indications given by Cæsar himself, protagonist at the battle. But it did not matter : The imperial decision had to be maintained by all the means.

Denounced from the outset by the writings of contemporary scientific specialists, the error was reinforced with the acquiescence of both the archaeological and academic establishments. Despite numerous inconsistencies with the official site, they persisted, unwilling to upset the established traditions.

In 1962, Professor André Berthier identified Chaux-des-Crotenay, in the Jura, as the site of the battle of Alésia. This site corresponds, precisely, to the description by Cæsar in Commentary on the Gallic War and relates to all the events described. Chaux-des-Crotenay appeared to be a credible rival to Alise-Sainte-Reine as the site of Alésia.

Immediately, a deep silence fell upon Jura Hypothesis. Scientific specialists and media continued to repeat: "Excavations have proven that the Alise-Sainte-Reine site is the authentic site of Alésia," without making any effort to inform themselves about the site in the Jura.

Insult and derision have been the only rebuttal to the Jura Hypothesis. Nonetheless, the scientists and the media could not muzzle discussion of the Jura Hypothesis; the fact that you are reading this page is proof enough.

The Jura Alésia Research and Documentation Centre/Alésia André Berthier does not claim that Chaux-des-Crotenay MUST be the site of the battle of Alésia. But, the Centre does claim that the Jura Hypothesis merits further scientific investigation.

The Centre simply asks that the archaeological and academic establishments fund a thorough, thoughtful and objective examination of the Chaux-des-Crotenay site, using the techniques and technology of the XIst Century … to prove or disprove the Jura Hypothesis.

Thank you.

An exhaustive documentation on the thesis of Professor André BERTHIER(*) localising
ALESIA in Syam / Crans / Chaux-des-Crotenay, in the Jura
is available on this site.

* Professor ANDRE BERTHIER, (1907-2000), the Institute’s Correspondent