Exoudun

Exoudun is a commune in the Deux-Sèvres department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France.

Etymology
The name is attested in 872 in the form of Exuldunus.

According to Albert Dauzat and Charles Rostaing, the name is derived from the Gallic uxelo, high, and dunum, fortress. (see Issoudun)

Ernest Nègre also brings the same meaning, from the Gallic adjective uxello- meaning elevated + the suffix dunum, fortified enclosure.

History
Human occupation, which seems ancient, dates back to prehistoric times, during the Neolithic, when the first neolithic men who practiced agriculture arrived, as highlighted by the presence in the commune itself, of the village's Dolmen; presenting a covering table and two orthostats at his side, his condition is considered ruined. The 'Pierre Levée des sept chemins' is also located halfway on the road towards the Chirons de Bougon, where half a dozen tumulus are located, among the oldest on the Atlantic coast, and used for almost 2000 years old, which is exceptional.

The presence of pottery in these different archaeological sites, dating from the Bronze Age, shows the presence of populations, which coincides with the end of megalithism; they mix with previous populations.

During Antiquity, in Exoudun, as its toponymy attests, the presence of the Celtic Gauls, probably the Pictons, as well as a fortified enclosure of good height are proven.

During the Middle Ages, Lordship of Exoudun was held in succession by several noble families, including the Lusignans. Lord of Exoudun was titled: Seigneur d′Exoudun.