Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Gallo-Roman ramparts of Saint-Bertrand-de-Cominges, 885 metres long, delimit a space of 4.4 hectares around the upper city. Their construction, dated from the end of the fourth or early fifth century, uses a variety of techniques: a siding of limestone bellows, brick slabs, and an incertum opus core. The ancient masonries, partially visible, serve as foundations for later constructions. Re-use marble weirs and semi-circular towers (such as the one in the north) complete this defensive set, re-designed until the 18th century to adapt to local needs (windows, gardens, supports). The excavations carried out between 1993 and 2001 revealed traces of pre-rempart occupation (late 4th century) and confirmed the absence of destruction related to the siege of 585 by Gontran, referred to by Grégoire de Tours.

The structure of the ramparts is divided into three distinct zones: a dry stone base placed on the rock, an intermediate masonry of squared rubble (gallo-Roman period), and a top in irregular rubble mixed with pebbles. Repairs, identified by spaced brick panels, suggest post-seat or post-peace periods adaptations. The three present doors (Cabirole, Majoue, Lherisson), attested since the 13th century, retain only the Majoue gate as a direct heiress of an ancient access. The rampart, which was still used for defensive purposes in the 17th century, was listed in the Historical Monuments in 1956 (northern portion), and in 1998 for the entire site, after the research of Esmonde Cleary and Wood.

The history of the ramparts is linked to major events, such as the installation of the Wisigoths in southern Gaul at the beginning of the fifth century, although no direct link is established. Architectural jobs (marble, bricks) come from the dismantling of the ancient low town, reflecting an urban reorganization. The surveys of Bertrand Sapene (1942–1969) and the recent excavations made it possible to precisely date the construction and to identify an increased occupation of the upper city between the 5th and 7th centuries. Today, the rampart, pierced by windows and integrated with the houses, illustrates the transition from military to civilian use, while preserving remarkable ancient remains, such as the southern portion near the B449.

External links