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Origin and history

The Roman fortifications of the Cluses, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales on the same name, form an exceptional military complex in France. Located above Via Domitia, they locked the narrow passage between two cliffs, marking the border between the ancient Gaul and Hispania. This strategic site, consisting of two forts (the Upper Cluse and the Maures Castle) and a control gate, exploited the mountainous terrain to monitor the Roman way and the course of the river Rome. Some elements date back to the third century, while others, such as the castle of the Moors, date from the fourth century, with reuses until the eighteenth century.

The Via Domitia, built from 118 B.C., connected Italy to the Iberian peninsula via the Narbonnaise Gaul. The Cluses were a necessary crossing point, where the road would tighten between the cliffs, facilitating monitoring. The Cluse gate, about ten metres high, controlled traffic with a narrow track at 2.20 metres, suggesting a one-way passage. Excavations revealed vestiges of the fifth century, as well as blocks of stone re-used since the Pompey trophy (col de Panissars), attesting to successive changes.

The fort of the High Cluse, on the right bank, features 18th century terraces and foothills visible on the eastern courtine. The castle of the Moors, in trapeze (80 x 140 m), had three square towers and a well preserved western court, with a dungeon to the south. These clausuraes (late fortresses) illustrate the defensive strategies of the late Roman Empire in the West, around 400 AD. The site, classified as Historic Monument in 2010, combines ancient remains, medieval reuses and local legends, such as the one attributing its construction to the Moors.

The toponymy reflects this story: mentioned from 673 under the name Castrum clausuras (fortified place protecting a narrow passage), the place evolves into clusas in the 9th century, before becoming Les Cluses in Catalan. A medieval legend, reported in the 13th century, binds the site to Charlemagne and the Moorish king Marsile, reinforcing its mythical aura. The excavations also revealed ceramics and militaria (military equipment) dating from the late fourth and early fifth centuries.

The architecture combines shale and lime mortar, with re-uses of sandstone from the Pompey trophy. The gate of the Cluses, which was planted on the way, symbolized the political and cultural border between Gaul and Hispanie. The site, a property shared between the commune and private individuals, remains a major testimony of the Roman mountain fortifications, unique in France.

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