Archaeological excavations at the Toulon naval base, carried out by Inrap since September 2025 under the supervision of the State (Drassm, Ministry of Culture), have uncovered the remains of an ancient settlement that was mainly involved in maritime trade between the 2nd century BCE and the early 3rd century CE. The research is nearly complete and has also revealed signs of a military occupation that began in the 17th century and continues to the present day. This site is part of a large redevelopment project covering several dozen hectares of land and sea, aimed at accommodating the aircraft carrier New Generation (PA-NG project), managed by the SID Méditerranée, Service of Defense Infrastructure, under the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The findings suggest that the area was an important hub for trade during the ancient Roman period, with evidence pointing to the presence of storage facilities, workshops, and structures related to commercial activities. The discovery of artifacts and architectural remains is helping researchers understand how this region contributed to the broader network of maritime commerce in the Mediterranean. Additionally, the uncovering of more recent military structures highlights the long-standing strategic importance of the site, which has been used by the French military for centuries.
The redevelopment project aims to modernize the naval base to meet current defense needs while preserving historical elements. This balance between modern infrastructure and cultural heritage is a key concern for both the military and archaeological communities. The findings from the excavations will be integrated into the planning process to ensure that the historical significance of the site is respected during the construction phase.
For more information about the project and its archaeological implications, individuals can contact Mahaut Tyrrell, media communications officer at Inrap, Direction of Cultural Development and Communications, at 06 07 40 59 77 or via email at mahaut.tyrrell [at] inrap.fr. Laura Derkac, cultural development and communications officer at Inrap, Interregional Direction Midi-Mediterranean, can be reached at 06 60 44 06 07 or via email at laura.derkac [at] inrap.fr.
Archaeological Findings at Toulon Naval Base Reveal Ancient Maritime Activity and Military History
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Inrap



