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Origin and history

Nîmes is a Gallo-Roman monument built between 40 and 80 AD, probably under Emperor Claude. It connected the fountain of Eure near Uzes to Nîmes, travelling 50 km through the garrigue. Its layout includes the bridge of the Gard, a masterpiece of engineering, and ends at the castellum divisorium of Nîmes. Research (1926, 1984-1990) revealed two phases of use: a first in clear water (150 years), then degradation from the third century, with a likely abandonment in the sixth century.

The construction combines a concrete radier of lime, straight-footed masons, and a canal covered with a vault or slabs. A reddish coating (maltha), based on lime and quartz sand, strengthened the seal. The constant slope of 25 cm/km allowed a flow of 35,000 m3/day. Foothills reinforced the building on some sections. In 2023, an upstream portion was discovered, suggesting an extension of 2 km towards Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie.

The lake is protected under the title of historical monuments in stages: the bridge of the Gard classified in 1840, the castellum of Nîmes in 1875, then various remains (arch of the Pradier Combe, Pont-Rou bridges) between 1979 and 1999. The municipalities concerned (Uzès, Remoulins, Lédenon, etc.) have been gradually registered. This monument illustrates Roman hydraulic expertise and its integration into the Mediterranean landscape.

The materials used — lime mortar, limestone, specific coatings — bear witness to advanced techniques for the time. Analysis of wall concretions allowed us to date the periods of use and decline. Lequeduc, studied by Émile Espérandieu (1926) and then by interdisciplinary teams (1984-1990), remains a reference for understanding Roman infrastructure in Gaule Narbonnaise.

Its route crosses several communes of the Gard, including Lédenon, where remains have been recorded since 1998. The initial source, the fountain of Eure, may have been supplemented by captures at Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, revealing an increased complexity of the system. The work, in addition to its practical usefulness, symbolizes the Roman power and its impact on the urban planning of Nîmes, then a prosperous colony.

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