Alauna, Gallo-Roman archaeological site in Valognes, France
Alauna is a Gallo-Roman archaeological site near Valognes that spreads across roughly 45 hectares on a plateau above the Merderet valley. Excavations and surveys have uncovered remains of thermal baths, a theater, residential houses, and a grid-patterned street network with two main thoroughfares.
The settlement developed during the Roman period and reached its height between 100 and 250 CE with public baths, a theater, and an organized street layout. After this peak, the city gradually fell into decline and was eventually abandoned.
The site preserves remains of a sanctuary with a Roman-style temple and smaller religious structures that visitors can observe in the landscape. These sacred buildings reveal the religious practices and beliefs of the local population during Roman times.
The site is open to visitors who can freely explore the preserved structures, including the thermal baths and other remains. Bringing a map or joining a guided tour helps visitors understand the layout and significance of the different archaeological features.
Radar surveys beneath the ground have revealed an extensive network of residential neighborhoods and houses that remain largely unexcavated. These hidden remains hint at a much larger city than what appears on the surface, offering clues to daily life in the Roman settlement.
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