The area around the
Morbihan has been occupied since
Neolithic times. Prehistoric monuments remaining include the
menhirs of Kermaillard and Largueven, as well as the
dolmens of Kergillet and Brillac. The town itself was first mentioned in the 11th century in reference to an abbey at the site The nearby
Château de Suscinio was built in the 13th century and fortified in the 15th century. The castle was a favorite spot of the
Dukes of Brittany who often came for the hunting in the surrounding region [http://www.tourisme-sarzeau.com/curiosites-sarzeau/chateau-de-suscinio-sarzeau.php. During the
Middle Ages, because of its size the town was divided into seven local divisions, a situation that still exists to some extent. The town officially became a commune during the
French Revolution. Sarzeau was the birthplace of
Alain-René Lesage (1668–1747), the author of novel
The Devil upon Two Sticks (1707), his comedy
Turcaret (1709) and his
picaresque novel Gil Blas, (1715–1735). The famed tub of
Jean-Paul Marat was found in Sarzeau after a lengthy search by
Le Figaro in 1885. Following its rediscovery the tub was purchased by the
Musée Grévin for 5,000 francs. ==Population==