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Origin and history

The Gallo-Roman theatre of Naintré is part of the archaeological site of the Old Poitiers, a secondary agglomeration (vicus) named Briva during Antiquity, situated on horseback in the communes of Naintré and Cenon-sur-Vienne (Vienna, New Aquitaine). This monument, built between the last quarter of the 1st century BC and the 110th AD, illustrates the Pictons' desire to compete with their capital, Lemonum (Poitiers), with an ambitious monumental adornment. Its hemicycle cellar, with a diameter of 116 metres, could accommodate nearly 10,000 spectators, while its scene, although modest (8.50 m x 18 m), had complex architectural elements, such as Corinthian capitals and an architectural decor.

The theatre underwent two major phases: a first pre-Augustian state, followed by a reconstruction between 175 and 200 AD after a fire around 150 AD. The excavations, initiated in the 19th century (De La Massardière, Caillard) and deepened in the 20th century (René Fritsch, Christophe Belliard), revealed wooden and stone structures, steps in opus craticium, as well as a variety of furniture (sigillated ceramics, Nero coins in Hadrian, votive objects). The monument, disused in the third century, was partially reused for domestic purposes under the Lower Empire, before being classified as a Historical Monument in 1970 (parcelles AX 142-147).

Integrated into an orthonormous urban complex of 65 hectares, the theatre of Naintré had a dialogue with other public buildings, such as a neighbouring rural temple (the Berthons) and residential insulae. The site, strategic at the confluence of the Clain and Vienna, benefited from port facilities (quays, lodges) and a Roman way linking Lemonum to Cæsarodunum (Tours). Its gradual abandonment from the eighth century coincided with the decline of Vieux-Poitiers in favour of Châtellerault, marking the end of its political and commercial role in the Picton city.

Epigraphic discoveries, such as the Gaulish inscription of the Pierre Levée (menhir classified in 1892), evoke a ratis (gued or fortin) offered by a notable local, Frontu, son of Tarbeisa. This cultural and religious context, combined with weapons deposits (carnyx, military signs) in a protohistoric sanctuary, underscores the ritual and warlike importance of the site before its romanization. Recent underwater excavations (2007-2012) have confirmed the existence of a river port, reinforcing the hypothesis of a vicus dedicated to trades and crafts (gold baths, ceramics of the West Centre).

Today, the theatre is the subject of educational visits organized by the municipality of Naintré and the tourist office of Châtelleraudais. Part of the archaeological furniture is exhibited at the Auto-Moto-Vélo Museum in Châtellerault, while local associations, such as the Association for the Preservation of the Old Poitiers Archaeological Site (established in 1987), are working on its development. The remains, partially protected (classification 1970-1971), bear witness to an exceptional Gallo-Roman heritage, at the crossroads of Celtic and Roman influences.

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