Copper Age road men rebuilt (8)

I believe the answer is:

gendarme

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'copper' is the definition.
(French police officer)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for gendarme that I've seen before include "French policeman has me in danger" , "continental copper" , "see in Paris!" , "policeman in Paris?" , "Law enforcer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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