Estelle GAUTHIER

Estelle GAUTHIER is an Assistant Professor at the University of Franche-Comté, affiliated with the UMR 6249 Chrono-Environnement research unit. Her work focuses on Spatial Archaeology and Bronze Age studies, particularly the circulation and deposition of metals in eastern France and Neolithic jade axe transfers across Europe. She contributed to the ANR JADE program and published extensively on topics like Alpine jade distribution and Bronze Age metal deposits.

Her research integrates spatial analysis and modeling, as seen in studies of the Salins-les-Bains area and the transfer of jade axes. She has also analyzed archaeological collections from the Seine River dredging. Collaborative projects include the ArchaeDyn initiative, exploring territorial dynamics and resource circulation from Prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Key publications include works on Neolithic jade distribution, Bronze Age metal deposition patterns, and methodological frameworks for analyzing material flows. Her studies highlight symbolic practices, territorial control, and cultural exchange in prehistoric societies. She has led projects like the PCR-funded study on Salins-les-Bains deposits and contributed to international conferences and edited volumes on archaeological methodologies and cultural networks.

Estelle’s work bridges archaeology with spatial sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding ancient resource management and social networks. Her research spans from material culture analysis to large-scale territorial studies, with a focus on visualizing prehistoric socio-economic dynamics through innovative modeling techniques.