Through Occitanie editorial staff
Published on
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We can no longer count the jewels ofGallo-Roman period on Occitanie. This region is still strongly imbued with this culture, 1,500 years after the fall of the Roman Empire.
In 118 BC, the Colonia Narbo Martius settled in southern Gaul, it was the very first colony to leave Italy and the all-powerful Rome. Narbo Martius (Narbonne) became the capital of this rich province. A strategic route for people and goods, the Romans built the Via Domitia between Rome and Spain.
Of Pont du Gard the remains of the Tibiran Jaunac aqueduct that carried water to Lugdunum Convenarum (Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges), the old stones tell us a story. Arenas, amphitheatres, necropolises… The Romans influenced our architecture.
Narbonne: the exceptional opening of Narbo Via
Narbonne, the former capital of southern Gaul, has decided to shine the spotlight on its Roman past, by concocting the Narbo Via museum. Opened in May 2021, it includes three sites: the archaeological museum in Narbonne, Amphoralis in Sallèles-d’Aude and the Horreum in the heart of Narbonne.
Unlike Nîmes and Arles, when you walk in Narbonne, you do not see the monumental aspect of the remains of the city. We are therefore going to discover the traces of a capital which has entirely disappeared
The museum’s inauguration is scheduled for September 2021, with the exhibition Come See Bati on the Roman builders. It will be interesting to make the link with this magnificent building built by Norman Foster. To see how the contemporary architect was inspired by the Romans to imagine Narbo Via…
L’Horreum, underground passages in the heart of Narbonne
In the heart of the city, do not hesitate to rush into the Horreum, underground galleries very popular in summer, for their freshness. Very well preserved since the first century BC, they reflect the rich ancient past of Narbonne. The Romans stored their provisions there.
Originally, they were located near a market. This site was rediscovered in the 1930s, it was classified as a historical monument in 1961.
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In Nîmes, antiquity and modernity meet
In Nîmes, another great place of Antiquity in Occitania, visit the museum of Romanity opened in 2018, it is through 25 centuries of history and understanding the influence of Roman civilization. 25,000 pieces are kept there. Mosaics, bronze and marble statues, portraits, coins … This museum tells Roman history from objects, it shows the versatile role played by the Latin colony of Nemausus (Nîmes).
The idea of building a museum was born from a simple discovery: during excavations carried out in 2006 preceding the work on the alleys Jean-Jaurès, a Roman house and two mosaics, known as Achilles and Pentheus, were discovered. Exceptional works, the most beautiful discoveries since Pompeii, according to specialists.
In Nîmes, there are two religious buildings built under Augustus: the Maison Carrée and the Augusteum de la Fontaine.
Do not miss the archaeological garden and the museum rooftop offering an exceptional panoramic view of Nîmes.
Finally, don’t forget to go and admire the Pont du Gard, spanning the Gardon between Uzès and Remoulins, once a precious aqueduct for the inhabitants of the region.
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: in the past, the city had 10,000 inhabitants
In Haute-Garonne, it is Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges that the Romans left their most eloquent traces. The geographical location of this village today famous for its beautiful cathedral, between the Garonne and the Pyrenean valleys, has helped Saint-Bertrand to prosper. In the year 120, the city obtained the statute of Roman colony thus giving to its inhabitants the prestigious title of Roman citizen.
When you turn your back on the Sainte-Marie cathedral, on the heights of Saint-Bertrand, you are facing the lower town and the ruins of its ancient theater, there are only the bleachers and the corridors to access it. It was a 4000-seat theater. The thermal baths are still well preserved, the ancient city had 3 thermal establishments.
One of the most beautiful discoveries is called the Augustan Trophy, it is kept at the Archaeological Museum of Saint-Bertrand, a 6 x 3 meter monumental ensemble dedicated to the Emperor Augustus.
Three sites are classified as World Heritage by Unesco, the Sainte-Marie cathedral which houses the tomb of Bishop Bertrand, the Saint-Just basilica and the early Christian basilica.
The Gallo-Roman villas of the region
The Romans had a particular appetite for beautiful things, beautiful objects and beautiful homes.
These beautiful residences can still be found in a few places in Occitania. Particularly in the Gers, at Seviac, near Montreal-du-Gers. Séviac is the only Gallo-Roman villa in France where you can see so many mosaics. It was one of the largest residences in Gaul. Séviac was discovered by chance during the construction of a farm in 1864. It was the subject of regular excavations for thirty years, until 1996. It is classified as a historical monument.
A few kilometers from Montreal, Eauze, we will also visit the House of Cieutat, an old town house. In the archaeological museum, fabulous treasures are on display: 120 kilos of jewelry from the Roman period, gold and silver coins, etc.
A Montmaurin in Haute-Garonne, the very luxurious villa Lassalles consisted of 150 rooms. Built in the 1st century, it was occupied until the 6th century. Its courtyard offers a fabulous view of the Pyrenees. On this same site, we also discover the villa La Hillère.
These villas were adorned with marble veneers of Saint-Béat, murals but also floors covered with mosaics. So many unique pieces, works of art to find in the archaeological museum of Montmaurin.
Still in Haute-Garonne, at Martres-Tolosane, six villas have been discovered, including that of Chiragan. It would be the most important in Europe after that of Hadriana in Italy. Many treasures from the excavations are on display at the Saint-Raymond museum in Toulouse.
Near Sète (Hérault), do not miss the Lupian villa, the archaeological museum built a few dozen meters from the villa presents this Gallo-Roman wine estate and traces the six centuries of history of the site. Unbelievable ! You will also be able to discover wooden and wicker objects, they were discovered during excavations in Montbazin and Poussan.
Dorisse Pradal
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