Archaeological excavations 2008-2009 (≈ 2009)
Discovery and preservation of remains.
26 avril 2021
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 26 avril 2021 (≈ 2021)
Total protection of remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, the remains of the ancient fish pool of Fréjus, i.e. all the remains contained in the archaeological crypt and the section of the rising wall, located 305 Aristide Avenue Briand, in parcels No. 230 and No. 295 volume 1 of section AZ of the cadastre as delimited on the plan annexed to the decree: classification by decree of 26 April 2021
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any specific historical actors related to this monument.
Origin and history
The archaeological remains of the Roman pool of Fréjus were discovered during preventive excavations carried out between December 2008 and March 2009, as part of the construction of a building on Aristide Briand Street. This site, located between the southern wall of the ancient city and the northern limit of the port, revealed a complex set of water structures. A first deep basin of 5 meters, dug in the rock, was crossed by three central arches. The basin was fed by four channels, access to which was regulated by wooden martelières.
In the 1st century AD, a second, smaller concrete basin was built inside the first. The set worked as a pool, with lead grids inserted into cavities to control the circulation of water and fish. The masonry walls of the large basin had niches built with tiles and amphorae, suggesting a specialized use for rearing or storing fish. The pool was abandoned before the end of the first century and partially filled.
Between the third and fourth centuries, the site was reused for artisanal activities, with the development of a concrete tile basin. A well was then dug inside the large basin, then completely filled. Later, a tomb dating from the High Middle Ages was discovered at the eastern end of the site. Finally, in modern times, a square well was built using ancient structures, with a remarkable fill. These remains, now protected, are accessible in an archaeological crypt located at 305 Aristide Avenue Briand.
The site illustrates the evolution of marine resource management techniques in the Gallo-Roman era, as well as the successive transformations of the site over the centuries. The excavations brought to light the ingenuity of the Romans in the matter of hydraulics and harbour layout, while revealing traces of subsequent occupation, testifying to the historical continuity of Fréjus, former Julii Forum founded under Julius Caesar.
