A Sector of the Gallic City of Vieille-Toulouse

On line since September 16, 2009 · Updated September 16, 2009

The Gallic site of Vieille-Toulouse is located on the extremity of a vast plateau overlooking the River Garonne, around 5 kilometres from Toulouse. It corresponds to a settlement that was probably fortified and spread out over 100 hectares. It was occupied from the end of the 3^rd century BC to the beginning of the 1^st century AD. The heart of this agglomeration is situated on the highest part of the promontory in the hamlet of La Planho. A few test pits dug at the beginning of the 20^th century and excavations conducted in the 1960’s and 70’s revealed the remains of constructions forming an urban layout organized around a network of stone roads. The excavation undertaken by Inrap in 2007 is located in this densely occupied zone near the famous Gallic temple found by Michel Vidal and his team in 1970.

A forge…

The oldest structures found until now, have been observed in only one of the excavation zones and correspond to a series of pits, ditches and shafts dating from the period between the end of the 2^nd century to the beginning of the 1^st century BC. It seems that a metalworking was undertaken at this time. This is indicated by a depression filled with iron slag and a large, rectangular pit, which probably contained a forge. Metalworking activities continued until the middle of the 1^st century BC. Other evidence includes furnaces on a slab composed of amphora fragments and an oval pit indicating the presence of a bloomery.

…and a Gallic habitat

In another sector of the excavation, traces of a habitat dated to the between the end of the 2^nd century and middle of the 1^st century BC are indicated by earth and wood footings and post anchorages. Inside there are beaten earth floors made with the local marl and hearths on a broken amphora base. Over time the floor levels were patched up and raised several times. Wells and middens are associated with this occupation. The habitat was organized around a network of roads, one of which has been partially excavated. It is slightly embanked and one band composed of small marl blocks, cobbles and amphora sherds has survived. A series of lateral ruts shows that this road was used by carts.
The abundant artifacts found are related to domestic activities; they include an assortment of local kitchen ceramic ware, as well as some imported from

Italy

or inspired by Italian models (pots, plates, mortars). Among the tableware, there are also luxurious imported vases, along with bowls and plates with black enamel and fine-walled goblets. In addition, a large quantity of whole or broken amphorae shows that wine was regularly consumed and attests to intensive exchange with the Italian peninsula. Small finds include personal ornaments (beads, bracelets), clothing elements (fibulae, belt buckles) and diverse tools and instruments.

A 1st century BC domus

The most recent structures have been seriously worn away as well as disturbed by public works undertaken some time ago. However, the survival of partially robbed walls make it possible to partially reconstruct the plan of a building approximately 22 by 25m, whose interior was divided into two large zones. To the north, there is a double row of adjoining rooms. To the south, a gallery with an access lined with pillars opens onto a vast open space paved with amphora and tiles. A rectangular basin whose base is composed of mortar with broken tile inclusions occupies the central part of what was probably a courtyard. The characteristics of this building evoke a vast urban residence (domus) constructed in the 40’s-30’s BC. In addition to the adoption of Italian construction principles, the artifacts indicate an acceleration of Romanization with continuing massive importations of amphorae, now originating from many parts of the Roman world (Italy, Greece, Spain), as well as the definitive adoption of table manners through an assortment of characteristic tableware.

Construction

Private

Site director

Philippe Gardes, Inrap

Curation

Regional archaeology service, Drac Midi Pyrénées