Maison au Grand Péristyle - Vieux-la-Romaine, Roman domus archaeological site in Vieux-la-Romaine, France
The Maison au Grand Péristyle is a Roman residence from the ancient city of Vieux-la-Romaine, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard lined with columns. The remains reveal the original layout and structure of this wealthy home, built with stone, brick, and travertine materials.
This site was built as a wealthy residence during Roman times and remained in use throughout the period of Roman rule in Gaul. Archaeological work beginning in the late 17th century gradually uncovered its structure and layers of occupation.
The residence reveals how wealthy Roman families in Gaul organized their lives, with spaces designed for receiving guests and holding ceremonies that displayed their social status. Walking through the layout, you can understand how these rooms functioned and what mattered most to the people who lived here.
The site is best visited in good weather since much of the excavation is outdoors with limited shelter in the ruins themselves. Comfortable footwear is important, as you will walk across uneven ground to view the different sections of the layout properly.
A Roman statue of Tutela was discovered here in 1988, revealing the religious practices honored within this residence. Finding sculptures like this in Normandy is exceptionally rare.
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