Timeline

Origin and history

The archaeological crypt of Dax protects the foundations of an ancient monument discovered in 1978 during urban works in the central island. Originally interpreted as a temple, these structures are now attributed to a civil basilica, a Roman public building where judicial and administrative activities took place. This type of building, rare in the Roman world, illustrates the importance of Dax (then Aquae Tarbellicae) as a civic centre during the early centuries of our era.

The excavations revealed remains dating back to the early Roman Empire, preserved in situ thanks to the development of an crypt under a modern building. Archaeologists point out that these foundations offer an exceptional testimony of ancient urban planning in the southwest of Gaul, complementary to other Roman monuments in the region. The crypt also exhibits major archaeological pieces from the excavations.

Ranked a historic monument in 1980 as the Gallo-Roman temple, the site reflects the evolution of archaeological knowledge. His current interpretation as a civil basilica highlights Dax's political and social role in antiquity, where justice and public assemblies ryhtmated community life. Few Roman basilicas are known to date, strengthening the heritage value of the site.

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