Our target today was the site of Glanum, which we decided was in walkable distance (30 minutes) from the campsite. It was another beautiful day and our jumpers were soon dispensed with and it was T-shirts for the rest of the day. The walk took us through the centre of St. Remy and on to the site of Les Antiques where there is an impressive Roman mausoleum and arch. Until the 20th century, these were the only Roman remains known in the area but other finds came to light and it became obvious that there must have been a substantial settlement in the area. Archaeologists uncovered Glanum in the nearby valley and established the history of the site. It was established in the 7th and 6th centuries BC by the Salluvians, a local Celtic tribe around a sacred spring. The site came under Greek influence and then Roman influence before becoming a Roman colony and finally abandoned in 260 AD.
Remains of all phases are visible with the Roman period dominating. It is very impressive, especially the area of the sacred spring. I always say that many archaeological sites would benefit from a viewing tower that would allow the visitor to more easily understand the layout of the buildings. Being built in a narrow gorge, there are natural viewpoints that give an excellent birds-eye view of the site. Steps have been built into the rock face and two panoramic viewpoints built that allow the site and surrounding countryside to be viewed.
There is a small restaurant on the site and we couldn't resist the option of 'Experience Romaine' on the menu.
We had time to stroll around the town on the way back clutching enormous and delicious home-made ice creams. Back then to Cara for relaxation and blog writing.
Photos: The mausoleum at Les Antiques; A Glanic statue from the Iron Age, Celtic period of Glanum; A model of the Roman period of the site with the sacred spring at the far end, in the gorge; A view of the sacred area with the sacred spring under the arch just above the man's head.
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