An extensive excavation project in the French city of Nîmes has unveiled a treasure trove of ancient artifacts dating back to the Roman period.
Conducted by archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), the dig on Rue de Beaucaire has unearthed a wealth of burial sites spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE.
Nîmes, once known as Nemausus in antiquity, thrived as a Roman colony during the 1st century BCE. The city’s layout, organized around the cardo and decumanus intersecting at the forum, speaks to its strategic urban planning. One of the architectural wonders of the era is the Maison Carrée, a temple built during the latter part of the 1st century BCE.
The recent excavations along Rue de Beaucaire have unearthed a wealth of burial sites, including cremation pyres and secondary burials. The excavated burials, enclosed within funerary enclosures, reflect the Roman practice of prohibiting burials within city limits. These graves, numbering up to 15, predominantly feature cremation burials, although some inhumation burials were also found. One poignant discovery includes the burial of a small child accompanied by a ceramic jug and lamp, indicative of the care and rituals associated with ancient Roman funerary practices.
Cremation, a common funerary rite during this period, was conducted on pyres constructed from limestone rubble or terracotta bricks or simply dug into the ground. Following cremation, the remains were collected and interred in graves within the pyre area or in adjacent annexes. Personal items, such as strigils, vases, ceramics, and lamps, were often buried alongside the deceased.
Among the well-preserved artifacts unearthed are numerous glass vases, some of which were deposited during feasting rituals known as the refrigerium. This commemorative meal, typically held on the day of burial and conducted by female priestesses, centered on the consumption of wine from these glass vessels.
Additionally, the excavation revealed the presence of a well, though currently concealed beneath modern constructions. This well, though currently filled in, holds the potential for further exploration and discovery
The excavation site will be open to the public on Saturday, April 13th. Archaeologists will lead guided tours, providing visitors with a firsthand look at the fascinating finds unearthed beneath the streets of Nîmes.
