Remains from the Neolithic era (about 5600 BCE to 4000 BCE) have been found in the southern French port city of Marseille. Excavations near the city's railway station unearthed flints, shells and fragments of pottery. It is the first time a Neolithic site has been found in the city and the excavations should continue until September 13.
     "It is a major discovery for the history and prehistory of Marseille," said archaeologist Lucien-François Gantes. "It suggests there was a large prehistoric presence outside the walls of the old city of Massalia" founded by Greeks from Phocaea around 600 BCE.
     The discoveries were made at a site where a future university building is under construction close to the main railway station.

Sources: AFP, Expatica (10 August 2005)