Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The archaeological site of the Bavay Forum, built during the High Empire, is a monumental complex typical of Roman cities. It includes a large public square, a 95-metre-long, 38-wide civil basilica, and cryptoportics supporting portals. These structures, aligned on an east-west axis, were constructed of white limestone and brick. The basilica, divided into three naves by rows of pillars, illustrates Roman administrative architecture, while cryptoportics probably served as storage or covered circulation spaces.

The forum was built under the reign of Trajan and initially measured 250 metres by 100, incorporating shops, a temple and a central square. Destroyed at the end of the second century by the Chauques, a Germanic people, it was later rebuilt. The remains also bear witness to medieval reuse: in the 9th century, a fortification was built on the walls of the Lower Empire, then transformed between the 13th and 15th centuries into a fortress covering 300 meters by 90, partially employing ancient structures. A new wall was added in the 16th century, as evidenced by the representations of the Album of Croÿ (circa 1560).

The medieval fortified enclosure had three strategic gates: the gate of Valenciennes (to Cambrai, Tournai and Utrecht), the gate of Mons (to Cologne, Trier and Reims) and the gate of Gommeries (to Saint Quentin). Although Vauban has abandoned a project to modernize the fortifications, the path of roundabouts remains today practical on a large part of the enclosure. The site, classified as Historic Monument in 2021, is owned by the Northern Department and protects all the floors and basements of the ancient forum, offering an exceptional testimony of the superposition of the Roman and medieval eras.

External links