First Site Occupation 500 av. J.-C. (≈ 100 av. J.-C.)
Traces of an ancient settlement before the Roman period.
Ier siècle apr. J.-C.
Construction of thermal complex
Construction of thermal complex Ier siècle apr. J.-C. (≈ 150)
Building and possible temple erected under the Roman Empire.
1878
Discovery of the ruins
Discovery of the ruins 1878 (≈ 1878)
Update during communal work.
Années 1960
Major archaeological studies
Major archaeological studies Années 1960 (≈ 1960)
Identification of a water monument and exceptional buildings.
1992–1994
Additional Prospects
Additional Prospects 1992–1994 (≈ 1993)
Confirmation of the network of local Gallo-Roman villas.
29 février 2000
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 29 février 2000 (≈ 2000)
Legal protection of plots E 590, F 3 and F 948.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Parcels E 590, F 3 and F 948: inscription by order of 29 February 2000
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any named historical actor.
Origin and history
The Gallo-Roman ruins of the Souquet, located near the Moulin du Souquet in Castelnau-Montratier (Lot), were discovered in 1878 during the creation of a communal road. Originally attributed to a Gallo-Roman villa, studies conducted in the 1960s revealed high-quality buildings, including basins, a hot water system and sewers, confirming their nature as a water monument. These discoveries highlighted the exceptional size of the site, extending over nearly half a hectare, with constructions dated from the first century, including a thermal building and a possible temple.
Subsequent research between 1992 and 1994 indicated that the site was part of a dense network of Gallo-Roman villas established since the reign of Tiberius (14–37 AD). A first occupation of the territory, however, dates back to 500 B.C., revealing historical continuity over centuries. Despite its designation as historic monuments on 29 February 2000, the site, which is invaded by vegetation, remains abandoned today, without proper signage or protection.
The complex, in turn called a large Roman villa in the 19th century and then a water sanctuary in the 1960s, illustrates the importance of thermal and religious facilities in the ancient Quercy. The excavations confirmed its monumental character, unique in the region, with sophisticated hydraulic infrastructures. Parcels E 590, F 3 and F 948, protected by decree, bear witness to this unknown archaeological richness, despite a worrying state of conservation.
