The history of Mont-Saint-Michel began in 708, when Bishop Aubert of Avranches had a modest church dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michael built on a rock surrounded by the sea. The Archangel is said to have intervened three times during the bishop’s sleep to enjoin him to found the sanctuary he wanted. Initially hesitant or reluctant, Aubert finally complied when the Archangel’s finger put strong pressure on his skull, where a circular hole allegedly appeared. He did not seem to suffer from it and did not die until years later. Today, Aubert’s skull is preserved in the basilica of Avranches.