'Exceptional' Roman Ruins Have Been Found In France

A major archeological discovery was recently made, when the ruins of a Roman neighbourhood were unearthed in southern France. It is said to be one of the biggest finds in recent years, anywhere in the world.

In April, the ground was dug up to lay foundations for a new housing complex in Sainte-Colombe, a suburb of Vienne, just outside Lyon. Rather surprisingly, builders discovered the Roman remains of an entire neighbourhood. In April, archaeologists from Archeodunum, a company that specialises in historic site evaluation, began work on the site. Excavations were supposed to last six months but, seeing as how much has been discovered, they have been extended until the end of 2017. The site is admittedly large, covering 60,000 square feet (5574 square metres).

The site covers 60,000 square feet and is thought to be one of the best finds of Roman remains in recent years

Vienne was already known for its Roman remains – it has a theatre, city walls and roads – but this new area is a real find as it includes an entire neighbourhood, portraying everything to do with Roman life. It was most likely built around a market square, and there are shops, food stores, as well as a temple. The temple is interesting to film lovers, because a medal found inside it would have been presented by Emperor Lucius Aurelius Commodus – he was the baddy to Russell Crowe’s Gladiator in Ridley Scott’s 2000 blockbuster.

The French Ministry of Culture has classed the site as ‘exceptional’ in terms of quality

The neighbourhood was ravaged by fire twice in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, which has preserved many of the objects

There are 15 archaeologists and five interns working on the site, lead by Benjamin Clément from the university of Lyon and Archeodunum. He has said that the site is like, ‘an instant photograph of life at the beginning of the 2nd century, and at the middle of the 3rd century.’

There are 15 archaeologists working on the site, along with five interns

The neighbourhood appears to have been abandoned in the 4th century and was then lost forever, until this year and this amazing discovery.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.