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Origin and history

The Flavien Bridge is an ancient Roman bridge built in the first century, located on the road linking Marseille to Arles, crossing the Touloubre at the entrance of Saint-Chamas. It is part of the extension of the Via Aurelia and owes its name to its promoter, Claudius Donnius Flavius. Ranked a historic monument since 1840, it is remarkable to be the only Roman bridge in the world having retained its original arches. Its architecture includes two monumental arches on each bank, decorated with identical Latin inscriptions.

The Latin inscription engraved on the friezes and architraves reveals that Lucius Donnius Flavus, flamine of Rome and Augustus, ordered the construction of the bridge and arches by will. The production was supervised by C. Donnius Vena and C. Attius Rufus, as indicated in the epigraphic text. This monument illustrates Roman engineering in Provence and its role in exchanges between the ancient cities of Massalia (Marseille) and Arelate (Arles).

The Flavian Bridge survived centuries thanks to its robustness and its early ranking among French historical monuments. It bears witness to the strategic importance of Roman roads in southern Gaul, linking political and economic centres. Today, it remains a symbol of the ancient Provencal heritage, accessible to the public and studied for its construction techniques.

Historical sources, such as Paul Lafran's work or the archives of the Royal Academy of Enrollment, underline its exceptional character. A video and official records (Merimée database, Structurae) document its current state. The bridge belongs to the commune of Saint-Chamas and continues to attract researchers and visitors for its architectural authenticity.

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