La Graufesenque, Archaeological site near Tarn and Dourbie rivers in Millau, France.
La Graufesenque is a large excavation site from the Gallo-Roman period containing remains of pottery workshops, housing areas, and temples. The site spreads across about 15 hectares and shows the remains of a well-organized ancient production center.
The site operated from the late first century BCE to the early third century CE as a major production center for terra sigillata pottery. The workshops supplied large parts of the Roman Empire with their products.
The pottery workshops here produced red ceramics marked with artisan signatures and patterns that traveled across the Roman world. These pieces show how specialized the craftspeople were and what quality standards they maintained.
Access to the site is straightforward and main areas are clearly marked, allowing visitors to explore the grounds on their own. There are shaded areas and rest spots, especially helpful on warm days.
A large disposal area with ceramic remnants shows how craftspeople conducted quality checks and which pieces they rejected. This waste pit offers a window into the daily work methods of the ancient workshops.
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