Larina oppidum, Archaeological site in Hières-sur-Amby, France.
Larina oppidum is an archaeological site situated on a limestone ridge overlooking the upper Rhone valley, spanning about 21 hectares. The area is enclosed by a rampart approximately 950 meters in length, which defines and protects the ancient settlement's boundaries.
The settlement began in the Bronze Age and later became a fortified oppidum of the Allobroges, a Celtic tribe. During Roman times, a sanctuary dedicated to Mercury was built, and by the Merovingian period it had transformed into an administrative center.
The site served as a fortified center for the Allobroges, who organized their community and defended their territory from this strategic position. Visitors can still sense how people used this high ground to monitor the river valley below and control the surrounding area.
The site is accessible throughout the year and is located in the village center of Hières-sur-Amby. Wear sturdy footwear, as the ground on the elevated ridge can be uneven and steep in places.
A remarkably preserved residential building from the 6th century shows how people lived in this region after the fall of Rome. The structure was later adapted into a fortress, reflecting the shifting circumstances of that era.
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