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Origin and history

The Gallo-Roman enclosure of Dax is a fortification built in the second half of the fourth century, between 350 and 375, to protect the city during the Lower Roman Empire. It was 1,465 metres long and bounded a quadrilateral of 12.60 hectares, with thick walls of 4.20 to 4.50 metres and an estimated height of 11 metres (including crenelage). Its remains, including portions of courtine and semi-cylindrical towers, are still visible on the north and east sides, near the Adour, which served as a natural protection.

Foundations are based on limestone plates and, in wetlands, on a bed of stone-covered fascines. The sides, in opus mixtum, alternate limestone and brick moellons, while the heart of the walls is filled with stones and mortar. Most of the gates and poternes disappeared after the partial destruction of the ramparts in the 19th century. Today, two major sections remain: one place des Salines and the other in the park Théodore Denis.

Ranked a historic monument in 1889, the enclosure was excavated in 2012-2013 on its northern face, prior to restoration and development work. This research confirmed its dating thanks to coins and inscriptions found in masonries. The site illustrates the adaptation of the Aquitaine cities to the threats of the Lower Empire, combining military defence and integration into the modern urban landscape.

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