Dive into the Ancient History of Glanum, Prosperous City of the Roman Era

Glanum: A Rich and Prosperous Ancient City

Glanum, an ancient rich and prosperous city, is nestled at the foot of a gorge on the flanks of the Alpilles mountains, about a kilometer south of the modern city of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

The Celto-Ligurian Origin of Glanum

The city has a rich and complex history dating back to the Celto-Ligurian era. Between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, the Salyens, a Celto-Ligurian tribe in Provence, built a stone enclosure and an oppidum, or fortified city, around the valley's source, known for its healing powers. A sanctuary was built at the source for Glanis, a Celtic god.

The Romanization of Glanum

Over time, Glanum underwent progressive Romanization. In 49 BC, Julius Caesar captured Marseille, and the Romanization of Provence and Glanum began. A curved stone arch dam, the oldest known of its kind, and an aqueduct were built in the 1st century BC to supply water to the city's fountains and public baths.

The Status of Glanum Under the Roman Empire

In 27 BC, Emperor Augustus created the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis, and Glanum received the title of oppidum latinum, granting its inhabitants the civil and political status of citizens of Rome. It was at this time that two impressive monuments were built: the Antiques, a mausoleum, and a triumphal arch.

The End of Glanum and the Birth of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

In the 1st century AD, the city built a new forum and temples. However, in 260 AD, the city was invaded and destroyed by the Alamans and was subsequently abandoned. Its inhabitants moved a little further north into the plain to found a city that became the modern city of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Glanum Today

Today, Glanum is a significant archaeological site that offers a fascinating insight into ancient history. Visitors can explore the remnants of the city, including the Antiques, and discover the rich and complex history of this ancient city.