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Origin and history

The Gallo-Roman villa of Montcaret, located in the Dordogne department, is a major archaeological vestige classified historical monument. Discovered gradually since the 19th century, it reveals a luxurious occupation between the 4th and 5th centuries, attested by its mosaics and its private baths. The systematic excavations, conducted between 1921 and 1939 under the direction of Jules Formigé, revealed an aristocratic residential part, with reception rooms and thermal installations decorated with rare mosaic decorations in the area.

The first traces of occupation date back to the first century, with remains of a thermal complex destroyed in the third century, then rebuilt and embellished in the fourth century. The mosaics, some of which represent sea motifs in the pool, as well as objects like a 6th century Palestinian plate, bear witness to a late occupation and distant commercial ties. The site, partially searched, also preserves traces of medieval reuse, with Merovingian tombs installed in the ruins.

The site owes part of its rediscovery to Pierre Tauziac (1866–1941), an amateur teacher and archaeologist, who alerted the authorities after unexpected discoveries in the 19th century. The excavations also revealed agricultural outbuildings, such as 6th century wine vats, confirming the residential and economic character of the villa. Today, the remains and their adjacent museum are open to the public, offering an exceptional glimpse of the Aquitaine aristocracy during late antiquity.

Subsequent studies, including those of Pierre Grimal in the 1950s, refined the chronology of the site, identifying three phases of construction. The Tauziac collection, given to the State, includes objects found before and during excavations, although their exact origin is sometimes uncertain. The mosaics, restored in the 1950s, are protected by modern shelters and illustrate the splendor of the aquitaine homes of the time.

The villa is situated in a strategic landscape, 30 meters above sea level on the foothills overlooking the Dordogne, close to an ancient road from Bordeaux to Périgueux. Its water supply was provided by resurging sources, and its position protected it from flooding. This geographical context, combined with its archaeological riches, makes it a key witness to the Roman occupation in Aquitaine.

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