During the construction of a social housing complex on Beaucaire Street in Nimes, archaeologists from Inrap discovered structures along the Via Domitia and a second roadway. These include tombs and funeral pyres dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE and the 2nd century CE. The site will open to the public on April 13th.

In Roman times, the Via Domitia (the first Roman road built in Gaul) was one of the main routes to Nimes. To the east of the city, its east-west path continued along the current Beaucaire Street and entered the city through the Porte d’Auguste.

Although hidden beneath modern roads, the current excavation has revealed various elements bordering this route, such as a large trench that has been replaced over time by a wall.

Funerary enclosure delimited by walls, of which only the foundations are preserved. Between the 2nd century B.C. and 2nd century A.D., it housed a masonry pyre and several secondary cremation sites
Funerary enclosure delimited by walls, of which only the foundations are preserved. Between the 2nd century B.C. and 2nd century A.D., it housed a masonry pyre and several secondary cremation sites. Credit: J. Grimaud, C. Martofel / INRAP

A second main route has been discovered, with a northeast/southwest axis, following a different orientation from the Via Domitia. It is 15 meters wide, consisting of a series of gravel pavements.

Intense traffic has worn down the surface stones, evident from grooves and occasional fillings. Its status remains uncertain, but its origins date back to the late Republican period, similar to the Via Domitia.

In fact, the oldest roadway dates back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, as evidenced by numerous fragments of flat ceramics and amphorae. The more recent roads may have been laid down during the 1st century CE or, at the latest, in the early decades of the 2nd century.

Funerary pyre in the process of excavation. The remains of ash and charcoal from the cremation are meticulously removed in squares
Funerary pyre in the process of excavation. The remains of ash and charcoal from the cremation are meticulously removed in squares. Credit: M. Rochette / INRAP

The remains discovered between these two routes and to the north of the second attest to the funerary vocation of this peri-urban sector in antiquity and the attractiveness of these two thoroughfares. Several funerary spaces and masonry enclosures have been discovered, ranging from a few burial deposits to more than fifteen.

Cremation was the predominant practice, conducted on pyres, several of which have been unearthed. Three were constructed with limestone rubble or stacked terracotta blocks, while the rest were dug into the ground.

After cremation, the burnt bones were collected and deposited in a tomb. This could be constructed directly on the pyre or in a small adjacent pit. The bones are placed in a vessel or scattered at the bottom of the pit, often accompanied by personal belongings of the deceased.

Secondary funerary deposit containing several glass, glass paste and ceramic vessels, as well as a bronze oil lamp and a pair of strigils
Secondary funerary deposit containing several glass, glass paste and ceramic vessels, as well as a bronze oil lamp and a pair of strigils. Credit: V. Bel / INRAP

Two pairs of strigils were discovered in one of the excavated funerary structures. Glass and ceramic vessels were also found in the tombs, along with lamps, indicating the importance of funeral rites and banquets. Several burial tombs were also uncovered.

Additionally, a well was discovered in one of the spaces. Its curb has been removed and only fragments remain, but its circular well remains excavated in the rock.

The excavation of this well, now filled and hidden by modern buildings, may provide an opportunity to collect remains from the dismantling of surrounding tombs and funerary monuments.

Sources

Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (INRAP)

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