Oppidum d'Altimurium, Ancient archaeological site in Murviel-lès-Montpellier, France.
The Oppidum d'Altimurium is an ancient settlement perched on a hilltop near Murviel-lès-Montpellier, with remains of homes, fortifications, and public spaces still visible. The ruins reveal how the community was spread across different levels of the slope, with defensive walls enclosing the entire site.
The settlement was founded in the 2nd century BCE and evolved into a fortified center of importance in the region. It was abandoned during the 3rd century CE, possibly due to shifting political conditions that altered the landscape of the area.
The site takes its name from its hilltop location, reflecting its strategic position in the ancient landscape. Visitors can observe how residents organized their homes on terraces and used a central gathering space as a focal point of community life.
The site is accessible but requires sturdy footwear due to uneven terrain and sloping paths. A local museum displays artifacts from excavations and helps visitors interpret what they see among the exposed ruins.
The settlement was organized into two distinct sections: an upper town crowning the hilltop and a lower town spreading down the slopes, linked by a monumental Roman plaza. This arrangement reveals how ancient communities adapted their layout to challenging terrain.
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