Construction of camp Antiquité (≈ 212)
Estimated construction period of the site.
25 janvier 1945
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 25 janvier 1945 (≈ 1945)
Official protection of remains by order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Roman camp (rests of): inscription by order of 25 January 1945
Origin and history
The Roman camp of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne is an archaeological vestige located in the eponymous commune of Charente-Maritime (New Aquitaine). This site, dated from antiquity, bears witness to the Roman presence in this region, although the details of its use or strategic importance remain little documented in the available sources. Its inscription in the title of historical monuments, by order of 25 January 1945, underlines its heritage value and the necessity of its preservation.
The remains of the camp, located at 24 Chemin du Châtelier, have been protected for nearly 80 years. Their conservation status and accessibility are not specified, but their approximate location is confirmed by GPS coordinates and the Merimée base. The commune of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, identified by the code Insee 17138, is part of a territory marked by the Gallo-Roman heritage, as evidenced by other similar monuments in Charente-Maritime.
In ancient times, Roman camps generally served as military or logistical support points, often linked to roads or strategic areas. In the regional context, these facilities could facilitate the control of conquered territories, the management of local resources or the protection of communication axes. Although this specific camp is not detailed in the sources, its existence reflects the Roman administrative and military organization in Gaul.
The inscription of the camp as historical monuments in 1945 is part of a period of heritage awareness in France, marked by the increased protection of archaeological remains after the destruction of world wars. This official ranking now allows to document and preserve this material testimony of antiquity, while providing support for possible future research.
Practical information about visiting the site remains limited: neither its openness to the public nor its associated services (such as guided tours) are mentioned in the sources consulted. The accuracy of its location is assessed as "passible" (note 5/10), which may indicate difficulties in accurately identifying its limits or current state.
Finally, this camp is part of a wider network of Roman monuments in New Aquitaine, a region rich in ancient remains. His study could contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of Roman occupation in western France, although current data do not provide a complete picture.
