Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Trémonteix Sanctuary, discovered in 2009 during a preventive archaeological diagnosis by Inrap, is a Gallo-Roman site located 2.5 km from the ancient centre of Augustemetum (Clermont-Ferrand). Stunned between 2010 and 2011, it reveals a double fanum (single cella temples) associated with a rural villa, partially destroyed by later developments. Only the sanctuary, which was listed as historic monuments in 2012, was preserved in a green area. Its exceptional state of conservation, due to sedimentary landslides, allowed to retain masonry elevations up to 2.35 m in height, as well as murals and hydraulic structures (fontaine, nymphae, pelvis).

The site, occupied as early as the Upper Empire (late I–early IIth century), underwent a major reconstruction in the third century, with the addition of a sanctuary to two adjacent temples, separated by a fence wall and a monumental porch. The north temple (13 m side) and the south temple (9.35 m, with a spring-fed basin) suggest a water-related cult, supported by monetary offerings (iactatio tipis) and glass containers. The peribol, a sacred space surrounding the temples, also houses a room decorated with frescoes (bachic scenes, floral motifs) and four masonry vats, whose agricultural function (vinic ?) remains hypothetical. The absence of protohistoric traces and the scarcity of ceramic furniture complicate the precise dating of the occupation phases.

Abandoned at the end of the fourth century, the site was reoccupied in the Middle Ages by a hamlet attested as early as the tenth century, associated with burials (Twentieth century). The excavations revealed an unusual spatial organization: a bipartition between an agricultural courtyard in the south (aligned pastures) and a cultural space in the north, separated by a wall and a porch. The interpretation of the site oscillates between rural villa with multiple pavilions and private sanctuary, possibly linked to an unidentified notable owner. Biomolecular analyses did not confirm the wine use of the vats, leaving uncertainties about the economic activities of the domain.

The temples, partially excavated (a third of their surface only), deliver painted coatings (floral motifs, drinking horn) and everyday objects (bracelets, hairpins), mixed with votive deposits. The fountain, fed by a pipe system from a "water castle", and the nymph (with access ramp and wooden bowling) reinforce the hypothesis of a water cult. The currencies, mostly of the third century for the northern temple and the Upper Empire for the southern temple, suggest prolonged ritual practices. The site, now public property, is accessible in a green area.

The head of the excavations, Kristell Chuniaud, underlines the proximity of the site to Augustonemetum, capital of the Arvernes, and the absence of a clear residential part, questioning its status (private domain or open cultural space). A partial graffite (AENIV[.]) may evoke a certain Aelianus, but its identity and role remain unknown. The excavation report (2013) and the specialized studies (numismatic, glass furniture) confirm the regional importance of the sanctuary, classified among the rare examples of villa with integrated sanctuary in Roman Gaul.

External links