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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 dating mainly 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 construction of a castellam in the third century marks a period of difficulty, with a military and logistical function (storage of cereals).

The city of Noviodunum declined from the fourth century onwards, losing its status as capital in favour of Le Mans, while trade routes reoriented towards the Germanic limes. The remains, remarkably preserved, include urban elements such as an orthogonal plan, necropolises, and traces of craftsmanship. The site is rediscovered from the 16th century, with systematic excavations from the 19th century, notably under the impulse of Prosper Mérimée. Modern archaeological research, since the 1970s, has provided a better understanding of the organization of the city and its evolution, from its Celtic origin to its progressive abandonment.

Among the most notable elements, castellam is considered the best preserved Roman fortification in France. Built in several phases, it combines a massive central tower and a enclosure with circular towers, although its completion has been interrupted. The theatre, offered by a rich merchant named Orgétorix under Domitian, illustrates local evergetism and the adoption of Roman practices. The thermal baths, partially transformed into a church during late antiquity, and the sanctuary dedicated to an indigenous divinity (perhaps Mars or a mother goddess) complete this heritage.

Archaeological excavations also revealed traces of habitat, artisanal workshops (potry, forge, etc.), and necropolises, mainly incineration. The site, protected by 1840 and gradually acquired by the department of Mayenne, is now accessible to the public. A local museum exhibits the artifacts discovered, while an archaeological route allows visitors to visit still visible monuments, such as the theatre always used for cultural events.

Jublains' history reflects the dynamics of Romanization, urban decline and re-use of remains. After being a major road and administrative crossroads, the city became a simple vicus in the Merovingian era, before losing its urban character in the 10th century. The castellum stones are even re-used in the castle of Mayenne, marking a "translation of the place of power". Despite this, the relative conservation of the ruins allowed an in-depth study of this key site to understand antiquity in western France.

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