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Origin and history

The archaeological site of Jublains, located in the department of Mayenne in the Pays de la Loire region, is a collection of remains mainly dated from the Roman era. Originally, it was a shrine of the Celtic people of the Diblants, before becoming the Roman administrative capital of this people under Augustus, under the name of Noviodunum. The city is urbanized from the first century onwards, with public monuments such as a theatre, a forum and thermal baths, reflecting the adoption of the Roman way of life. The site also bears witness to the difficulties of the third century, marked by the construction of a castellam, a fortification still visible today.

Before the Roman period, the site was occupied from the time of La Tène, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries, including a votive deposit of swords and Armo-American pottery. A monolith of the iron age and traces of a Gaulish monetary workshop were also discovered. The city of Noviodunum was founded as the capital of the Diablentes during the Augustine territorial reorganization, becoming an important road junction. The Celtic temple was rebuilt in stone after 65, and the city adopted an orthogonal planning plan, although partially unfinished.

The decline of the city began in the fourth century, with a gradual abandonment of infrastructure and a loss of its status as capital for the benefit of Le Mans. The thermal baths were transformed into a church during late antiquity, and the site became a simple vicus before losing its urban character in the 10th century. The remains, remarkably preserved, were rediscovered from the 16th century, with systematic excavations from the 19th century. The department of Mayenne has acquired land to preserve the site, which is today an archaeological route open to the public.

Among the most remarkable elements, castellam is considered the best preserved Roman fortification in France. Built between the end of the second and the beginning of the fourth century, it probably served as a warehouse for annone (grain refuelling) in addition to its defensive function. The theatre, built under Domitian (81-83), and the sanctuary, rebuilt in stone after 65, illustrate the integration of the Gaulish elites into the Roman model. The thermal baths, forum and necropolises complete this exceptional heritage.

Archaeological excavations, carried out since the 19th century, revealed an orthogonal urban plan of twenty hectares, with perpendicular streets and islets (insulae) of varying sizes. Recent research focuses on the habitat and workshops of artisans, highlighting the differences between the initial urban planning project and its actual implementation. The departmental archaeological museum, installed on the site, exhibits Gallo-Roman remains discovered in Mayenne.

Today, the Jublains Sanctuary is a site classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, offering an educational course for visitors. The remains, including castellam, theatre and temple, are accessible and sometimes used for cultural events. The site is recognized as one of the most complete archaeological ensembles in western France, illustrating both the Romanization and the transformations of ancient Gaul.

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