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Origin and history

The ramparts of Angoulême, located on a steep plateau overlooking the valleys of the Charente and the Anguienne, form a defensive complex whose origins date back to the late third or early fourth century. At that time, under the Lower Roman Empire, Angoulême (then Iculisma) became city capital in Aquitaine second. Gallo-Roman remains, visible near the covered market, reveal a massive wall of 2,280 m around, built with re-used blocks (sculptures, inscriptions) from demolished monuments. This primitive rampart bound an area of 24 to 25 hectares, partially protecting the plateau.

In the ninth century, facing Viking raids, Count Vulgrin restored the fortifications in 867. The medieval ramparts, mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries, incorporate semi-cylindrical towers and courtines to include the new castle and the suburb of Saint-Martial. Three 11th century square towers, near the public garden, and remains of towers protecting the old castle remain. In the 19th century, the ramparts were partially razed (reduced to 1 m high) and the gates demolished to facilitate urbanization, erasing part of their original layout.

Ranked as historical monuments in 1958, the current ramparts combine Gallo-Roman elements (parts of stone without mortar, re-used carved blocks) and medieval elements (smutter towers for guns). Their strategic position, on a rocky spur overlooking the 70- to 80-metre valleys, made it a disputed site, the capital of the ancient province of Angoumois. The excavations and blocks exposed to the archaeological museum of Charente illustrate their evolution, from Roman fortifications to medieval adaptations.

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