Nimes is a small city in Southern France and is known as the most Roman city outside of Italy. Nimes has a rich history dating to the early days of Roman expansion. During Roman dates, it was an important regional capital during the days of the Roman Empire and numbered around 50,000 to 60,000 people
There are numerous famous Roman monuments in Nimes giving it the reputation of being the French Rome. Some of the best-known ruins are Maison Carree, Nimes Aqueduct, Arena of Nimes, and The Temple Of Diana.
History And Background Of Nimes
The Roman period began in 123 BC when the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus defeated the Gallic tribes in the region. After that, the Roman province of Gallia Transalpina was established in 121 BC.
- Occupied: Occupied By The Roman Republic In 123 BC
The Romans soon went to work on building the Via Domitia - the first important Roman road running through Southern Franch connected Italy with Hispania (Spain). The Nimes arose on this important route.
- Pronunciation: Nimes Is Pronounced NEEM in French
Nimes became the Roman colony of Colonia Nemausus and some of Julius Caesar's legions were given plots of land to cultivate in the region. The first major works began under Augustus and some of the surviving buildings date from this time.
- End Of Roman Rule: Visigoths Captured It In 472
The town of Nimes remains prosperous throughout much of the Roman Empire. It went into decline as the Western Roman Empire crumbled - although the southern parts of Gaul (France) faired much better than the northern regions. It was captured by the Visigoths in 472.
The Maison Carrée
"Maison Carriee" is French for "square house" and is one of the best-preserved Roman temples of anywhere in the Roman Empire. It dates from the late 1st BC and was completed around 2 AD and is still almost totally intact.
Built: Around Same Time As Jesus Was Born 1 BC - 2 AD
The Maison Carree was dedicated (or rededicated) to Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar. They were grandsons and adopted heirs of Augustus who both died young. The inscription was removed in medieval times but it is believed to have read:
"To Gaius Caesar, son of Augustus, Consul; to Lucius Caesar, son of Augustus, Consul designate; to the princes of youth."
The Arena of Nimes
After seeing the Arean of Nimes, the Colosseum of Rome may look disappointing. While this Roman amphitheater is smaller, it is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. It was built around 70 AD soon after the famous Colosseum. While the Colosseum is spectacular, there are many other fabulous Roman ruins to be seen in Rome.
- Length: 145 Yards or 133 Meters
- Width: 110 Yards or 101 Meters
- Height: 69 Feet or 21 Meters
- Capacity: 24,000 Spectators
Of the 400 or so remains Roman amphitheaters still in existence it is one of the top 20 largest remaining amphitheaters. Not only did it serve in gladiator fights, but it also served as a public event theater.
Today the Arena of Nimes remains in use and is the site of two annual bullfights during the Feria de Nimes. It is also used for other events like antiquity Roman reenactments or concerts.
Nimes Aqueduct
The UNSECO Listed and iconic Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct bridge and is part of the Nimes Aqueduct. It was built in the first century and carried water over 50 kilometers or 31 miles to the colony of Nimes. The aqueduct bridge is one of the best-preserved in the world while many remains of the aqueduct can be seen today outside of the city.
- Length: 50 Kilometers or 31 Miles
- Bridge: The Bridge of The Aqueduct Includes The Pont du Gard
The aqueduct once brought water from the hills to the north. The Pont du Gard that crossed the River Gard is around 20 kilometers or 12 miles northeast of the city.
"Temple of Diana"
Another well preserved 1st-century Roman building in Nimes is the Temple of Diana. It was also built under the prosperous reign of Emperor Augustus. While it is called a temple, it probably wasn't one. And there is no evidence that it was ever dedicated to Diana.
- Use: Possibly A Library
- Wasn't: Probably Not A Temple And Certainly Not Dedicated To Diana
- Used As: A Monastery In Medieval Times
It may have been a library and its facade was rebuilt in the 2nd century. It managed to find a new use in medieval times as a monastery (being used meant it was also maintained).
It is located near the gushing spring of "La Fontaine" - around this spring was an Augsteum (a sanctuary devoted to the cult of the emperor and was centered on a nymphaeum).