Drevant Gallo-Roman Ruins

Drevant Gallo-Roman site dates from the 1st to 3rd centuries and includes a well-preserved theater, a sanctuary, two bath complexes, and residential areas. It was a secondary settlement connected to river navigation and a local road. By the 4th century, the site abandoned, and the theater became a craft workshop. In the Middle Ages, the ruins were used as a stone quarry.

Theater

The structure combines elements of both an amphitheater and a theater, with an 85m-wide cavea supported by buttresses. The 27m-diameter arena, enclosed by a 2.6m-high podium wall, suggests it was used for circus performances.

Sanctuary

Initially mistaken for a forum, the sanctuary features a large enclosure (116 × 89m) with a small central temple (fanum). Over time, it was expanded with monumental entrances, an octagonal sacred structure (possibly a bidental), and surrounding buildings.

Bath Complexes

Discovered in 1835, the two bathhouses (35 × 29m and 42 × 33m) had typical Roman features, including heated rooms. They were likely supplied by an aqueduct sourcing water 5 km away.

Residential Areas

Developed in the late 1st or 2nd century, housing blocks were found mainly north of the site. Some residences included baths, while others may have served as inns or worker lodgings. Abandonment began in the mid-3rd century.

Address
Quai du Canal 18, Drevant, France

Established
1st century AD