Construction begins 241 av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Initiated by Consul Caïus Aurelius Cotta.
109 av. J.-C.
Extension by Æmilius Scaurus
Extension by Æmilius Scaurus 109 av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Trançon called "Via Æmilia Scauri".
13 av. J.-C.
Extension by Auguste
Extension by Auguste 13 av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Becoming *Via Julia Augusta* until Var.
15 mars 1909
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 15 mars 1909 (≈ 1909)
Protection of the remains of Maussane-les-Alpilles.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Remaining remains of the ancient Aurelian track and the Mile Column: classification by order of March 15, 1909
Key figures
Caïus Aurelius Cotta - Roman Consul
Initiator of Via Aurelia in 241 B.C.
Æmilius Scaurus - Roman Consul
Extended the way in 109 B.C.
Auguste - Roman Emperor
Turns out the way to Narbonese Gaul.
Origin and history
Via Aurelia, or Aurelian Way, is a Roman road built from the 3rd century BC, originally linking Rome to Luni on the Tyrrhenian coast. It was extended to Narbonese Gaul after the Roman conquests, becoming a major axis between Italy and Spain via Arles. In Maussane-les-Alpilles, traces of this track and a mile column remain, bearing witness to its historic route through the Alpes-Maritimes and Bouches-du-Rhône.
The construction began in 241 B.C. under the impulse of consul Caius Aurelius Cotta, and was extended by Æmilius Scaurus in 109 B.C. and finally by the emperor Augustus in 13 B.C., which extended it to the Var River under the name of Via Julia Augusta. This section shortened the route to Hispania by avoiding Montgenèvre Pass, facilitating exchanges and military control.
The route crossed key cities such as Nice (Cemenelum), Antibes (Antipolis), Fréjus (Forum Julii), and Aix-en-Provence (Aquæ Sextiæ), where it reached other Roman roads such as Via Domitia. Milestones, including Maussane-les-Alpilles, classified in 1909, marked distances and served as landmarks for travellers, soldiers and merchants.
In Roman times, this route was essential for the publicus curriculum (imperial postal service), allowing journeys of 70 km a day with relays for horses. Its layout influenced modern roads, such as RN7 or D17, and archaeological remains (bridges, mausoleums, thermal baths) still mark its course.
Today, a great hiking trail (GR 653A) partially follows this historic route, once used by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela or Rome. The remains of Maussane-les-Alpilles, though fragmentary, illustrate Roman engineering and the strategic importance of this path in ancient times.
