The Tamesis
The well-preserved Roman mausoleum, based on Augustus’ famous tombs in Rome, was found in Saint-Romain-en-Gal near Lyon, France.
The structure has an interior construction of about 50 CE, with a diameter of more than 50 feet and is considered to have a 20-foot ceiling. For those in the Roman colony of Vienna, this is visible, and can be seen along the Rhone.
“It’s a person who still exists in the world of life even in death,” Giulia Ciucci, archaeologist and director of science at the Saint Roman-Engal Museum, told The Arkeonews. “The similarities with the emperor’s tombs indicate an important political power and influence.”
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The monument’s wealth and location suggests that it may have been built for members of the noble elite who had a strong connection with the authority of the empire.
It is one of only 18 hills found in France and is the only known circular height monument under such well-preserved conditions.
The mausoleum not only looked at the conditions of Roman Gaul, but also provided further evidence of the link between the two regions. (Augustus’s Mausoleum on the campus of Matius was the huge tomb and the last resting place of Rome’s first emperor.)
In addition to the mausoleum, archaeologists have also discovered remains of three ancient shops from CE in the first and second centuries. The fire that destroyed the shop at that time helped preserve the wooden structures and artisan tools.
Two of the workshops once occupied by Fullers who cleaned and reinforced wool, while the kiln found in a third store suggests it will be used for glass manufacturing or cooking purposes.
Originally identified in the 1980s, the stores will become part of a larger commercial complex with at least eight units, indicating a thriving class of local artisans and workers.
“The quality and diversity of these remains will allow us to better understand local business,” said Benjamin Clément, professor of archaeology of Rome. Arkeonews. “We know a lot about long-distance trade during this period, but there is little evidence of well-preserved local economic activity.”
The excavations of the site are expected to continue to work with the universities of Aix-Marseille, Université de Franche-Comté and CNR until 2027.
