Thermae Gallicae : les thermes de Barzan, Charente-Maritime, et les thermes des provinces gauloises

Since 1998, Michel de Montaigne-Bordeaux 3 University in Bordeaux has intensified its activities in the field of archaeological research through its archaeological field-school in Barzan (Charente-Maritime). Barzan used to be a harbour for Saintes, which was the main town of the Santons tribe and a capital for the administration of Roman Aquitania. These excavations enabled a complete study of the Roman Public Baths that were only partially explored before the Second World War. The Baths were at least 3000 square meters in size, with very specific (architectural) buildings from the beginning of the 3rd c. AD (e.g. : semi-symmetric space organization, monumental main-room with an apse in front, water supply from a well). It has been established that their original foundation dates back to 50-30 BC.

Architecture and furniture have been exhaustively studied and some of the new materials excavated are opening new perspectives. Similarly, paleo-environmental studies give us better knowledge of the landscape where this Roman Aquitania town was created and prospered. Of secondary importance in its time, this town is of first-rate importance for our understanding of this region at that time of History.