Roman Ruins in Provence: Vaison-la-Romaine
In the heart of Provence, Vaison-la-Romaine is a remarkable town where ancient history breathes through well-preserved ruins that reveal the splendor of the Roman Empire. Last week, we wrote about the Medieval portion of the town - perched high on the cliff for strategic defense. Now, let's visit the impressive Roman ruins that were once a thriving city over 2,000 years ago. Today, this is the site of one of the most extensive archaeological sites in France, with remains of grand villas, theaters, and temples that echo the legacy of Rome.
In the 2nd century BCE, the Roman Empire began to asset control over southern Gaul (France) for a trade route to Spain and as a way of safeguarding their expanding territories. Provence indeed had a strategic location along the Mediterranean.
Throughout Provence, one finds evidence of Roman dominion - along the Via Domitia, the Roman throughway connecting Italy to Spain through Provence. We’ve visited other Roman sites in Provence, from Pont de l’Arc to the Pont Julien, to the ruins at Fort de Buoux, town like Arles, Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (all replete with Roman ruins and influence).
Vaison-la-Romaine boasts two primary archaeological sites, Puymin and La Villasse, each offering a fascinating window into Roman urban life. We see the classic Roman style and layout of streets, aqueducts for water supply and forums for social and commercial gatherings.
Puymin: This site includes the grand Maison à l’Apollon Lauré (House of Apollo), with impressive mosaics and a garden that captures the aesthetic and cultural values of the Roman elite. Also found here are the remains of a small temple and various statues, including an exquisite statue of Apollo, symbolizing both the artistic and religious inclinations of the time.
La Villasse: The larger of the two sites, La Villasse, features luxurious Roman houses such as the Maison du Buste en Argent (House of the Silver Bust) and the Maison à la Tonnelle (House with the Trellis). Here, visitors can explore the thermal baths, sophisticated aqueduct systems, and ancient shops lining the Decumanus Maximus, a main Roman road that once pulsed with daily activity.
The Roman Theater
One of the highlights of Vaison-la-Romaine is the beautifully preserved Roman Theater, originally built in the 1st century AD and seating around 6,000 spectators. This theater, still in use today for concerts and cultural events, exemplifies Roman engineering and social life. Imagine ancient crowds gathering for dramatic performances, where Roman and local cultures intersected.
Roman Bridges and Roads
Vaison-la-Romaine also features a remarkable Roman bridge, a testament to the enduring ingenuity of Roman construction. This bridge, with a single arch spanning the River Ouvèze, has withstood floods and centuries, symbolizing the durability of Roman craftsmanship. The remnants of ancient roads, lined with stone paving, remind us of the connectivity and strategic importance of Vaison in the Roman era.
Archaeological Museums
The Archaeological Museum of Vaison-la-Romaine is essential to any visit, housing artifacts uncovered from the sites. Intricate mosaics, pottery, coins, and sculptures illustrate daily Roman life, the local economy, and even the fashions of the time. The museum’s curators have created an engaging experience, helping visitors understand the function of each artifact within the broader context of Roman society.
Vaison-la-Romaine is a place where history is alive, illustrating the lasting influence of the Roman Empire on Provençale culture. Romans brought architectural knowledge, advanced irrigation systems, and urban planning that shaped Provence’s development. A visit to Vaison-la-Romaine's ruins is a visit to Provence’s cultural and historical landscape.