The Archaeological Atlas of Nîmes is a new digital tool that helps people explore the hidden history of the city through its archaeological heritage. It was launched on September 18, 2026, at the Museum of Romanity, marking the third anniversary of the Maison Carrée being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Atlas gathers archaeological findings from the city’s past, collected during digs that took place alongside urban development projects since the 1980s. These projects included building new structures, creating parking lots, restoring historic buildings, and redesigning public spaces. As a result, Nîmes has become a key place for studying urban archaeology, where modern construction often reveals ancient layers of history.
The Atlas features around fifty important archaeological sites, such as those along Avenue Jean-Jaurès, Villa Roma, the Halles, and Clérisseau. Among the notable discoveries are a statue of Neptune and a mosaic depicting the mythological figure Penthée. The Atlas also includes summaries on various historical aspects, such as ancient vineyards, wall paintings, mosaics, city walls, aqueducts, and burial practices. It allows users to trace the evolution of Nîmes from its early Gallic settlement through the Roman era to the medieval period.
The Atlas uses a variety of materials, including maps, excavation photos, reconstructions, artifacts, and historical documents, to reveal the "invisible city"—the hidden parts of Nîmes that are not visible today. These include ancient streets and homes, tombs, monuments, workshops, gardens, and remnants of old landscapes. The Atlas is available online and will also be featured in a special version at the Museum of Romanity, offering visitors an interactive and educational experience.
The project is the result of a long-term collaboration between the French government, the City of Nîmes, and Inrap, a national institute for archaeological research. Jean-Yves Breuil of Inrap is responsible for the scientific coordination, while Laura Derkac, Élise Roussin, and Louise Fourmond oversee the editorial aspects. Eclydre, a web design agency, is handling the multimedia production, ensuring the Atlas is both informative and visually engaging.
Archaeological Atlas of Nîmes Reveals Hidden History Beneath the City
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
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