Reuse of the site Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Medieval vestiges not detailed in the sources.
21 mai 1980
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 21 mai 1980 (≈ 1980)
Official protection of the archaeological site.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Oppidum (Cd. D 711, 712, 352, 354-356, 855): entry by order of 21 May 1980
Key figures
Togirix - Monetary figure
Effigy on matrix found on site.
Origin and history
The Oppidum de Bar-sur-Aube, also known as the Oppidum de Saint-Germaine, is a fortified site of 10 hectares of barred spur type. A second internal fortification isolated its northern part. Attributed to the Lingons, it has been little explored, but discoveries suggest the presence of necropolises and a monetary workshop, including a monetary matrix with Togirix effigy, linked to the Sequanes. These elements indicate an active Gaulish occupation, with economic and funeral activities.
Below the poppidum, under the present town of Bar-sur-Aube, remains are associated with Segessera, mentioned on the table of Puisinger. This table, a medieval copy of a Roman map, attests to the strategic importance of the site during antiquity. With its fortifications and its monetary workshop, L-oppidum reflects the central role of the oppidas as places of power, exchange and defence among the Gauls.
The building was listed as historic monuments on May 21, 1980, recognizing its heritage value. The site, a property shared between the department, the commune and the private, retains tangible traces of the lingonne occupation and subsequent periods. Its inscription protects a rare archaeological heritage, linked to both the Iron Age and medieval reuse.
Limited excavations did not clarify the extent of necropolises or the extent of monetary production, but the found matrix confirms exchanges between Lingons and Sequenes. This rare type of object illustrates the political and economic networks of the Gaulish peoples before the Roman conquest. The bar-sur-Aube's oppidum remains a key witness of this pivotal era.
The location of the oppidum, on a spur overlooking the Aube Valley, meets strategic criteria typical of the oppidas: control of communication routes and natural defence. Its current state, although partially preserved, makes it possible to study Gallic urban planning and fortification techniques. The remains of Segessera, in connection with the Puisinger's table, also underline the continuing occupation between the Gaulish and Gallo-Roman eras.
