Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The aqueduct of Nîmes, part of which is located at Remoulins in the Gard, is a Gallo-Roman work built between 40 and 80 AD, probably under Emperor Claude. It initially connected Uzès to Nîmes for about 50 km, with a constant slope of 25 cm/km to deliver 35 000 m3 of water per day. Its route crossed the garrigue and crossed the Gardon via the bridge of the Gard, leading to the castelum divisorium of Nîmes. Research (1984-1990) revealed two phases of use: optimal operation for 150 years, followed by degradation from the third century, with probable abandonment in the sixth century.

The structure combined a concrete radier of lime, straight-footed masons, and a vaulted canal covered with a reddish coating (maltha), composed of lime milk and quartz sand rich in ferric oxide. Buttresses reinforced some sections. In 2023, an additional portion of the pipeline was discovered upstream of the Eure source (Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie), suggesting an extension of 2 km of the drainage network. This section began at the sources of the Moulin Neuf, thus changing the initial understanding of its route.

The aqueduct enjoys successive protections as historical monuments: the bridge of the Gard was classified in 1840, followed by the castellam of Nîmes in 1875. At Remoulins, the ark of the Pradier Comb was classified in 1979, while the arches of the Joseph and Roussière Combes were registered the same year. Other remains (bridges from Pont-Rou and Font Menestière to Vers-Pont-du-Gard) were protected in 1987 and all remaining remains between 1997 and 1999. These rankings reflect the heritage importance of this work, a symbol of Roman genius in Occitanie.

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