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The discovery of a Gallo-Roman monumental sanctuary and its statuary at Pont-Saint-Maxence
An exceptional Gallo-Roman sanctuary is currently being revealed at Pont-Saint-Maxence (Oise). This Inrap excavation has been authorised by the government (Drac Picardie) and is taking place prior to the construction of a shopping centre.
The history of Late Antique period Pont-Saint-Maxence is little known, and the discovery of an enormous sanctuary from the mid 2nd century A.D. therefore came as a surprise, particularly as the remarkable statuary discovered on the site has no equal in Roman Gaul.
The sanctuary
This sanctuary, contained in an enclosure of 70 x 105 m, possessed two small pavilions at the rear of which only the foundations have been preserved. In the centre, the cella, a substantial masonry platform, was accessible by steps in the front façade. This was the heart of the sanctuary, containing the statue of a divinity. Here, archaeologists have discovered many pieces of balustrades with paired "S" shaped decorative elements, together with fragments of marble veneer.
A monumental façade with sculpted ornaments
Venus, Apollo, Jupiter; exceptional statuary
Other gods and goddesses, still unidentified, alternate with seated griffons with spread wings. Numerous fragments represent divine attributes (Juno's peacock, Diana's quiver and bow...) or faces of the gods (Vulcan or Ulysses, Hades, a figure with a Phrygian cap etc.): all have dramatic expressions evoking the pathos unique to Hellenistic statuary. The workshop that produced these sculptures was of extremely high technical standard. The style is very similar to that of the Temple of Champlieu (Oise), but perhaps of even better quality. Archaeologists are uncertain of the origins of this deliberately imposing temple, which was located close to the Antique period Senlis-Beauvais road. A sanctuary, constructed on the Gallic remains (ditches, post holes) and sealed by a level containing a large number of very small coins from the 4th century AD.
Mahaut Tyrrell
Media communication
Inrap, media partnership and relations
01 40 08 80 24 - mahaut.tyrrell [at] inrap.fr