Presumed construction period Antiquité (≈ 212)
Theatre or monumental Roman building.
2014
Beginning of archaeological excavations
Beginning of archaeological excavations 2014 (≈ 2014)
Preventive searches on the Boilermaker Island.
10 février 2015
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 10 février 2015 (≈ 2015)
Protection of remains by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The remains of the ancient theatre, islet of the Boilronniers, located rue des Boilronniers (to the east), rue de l'Argenterie (to the west), rue du Général-Miquel (to the north) and rue Jean-Cordier (to the south) (cad. LY 50 to 61): inscription by order of 10 February 2015
Key figures
Information non disponible - No characters cited in the sources
The texts do not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The remains of the ancient theatre of the Boilermakers' islet in Béziers were discovered during preventive archaeological excavations initiated in 2014. This work, prescribed by the Regional Archaeology Service, revealed imposing masonries in the southern part of the site, composed of small appliances and squared stone blocks, suggesting the presence of a monumental building. These remains, about two metres thick, could belong to an ancient theatre, complementary to the amphitheatre already known and protected in the city.
The archaeological diagnosis had previously identified protohistoric levels, ancient structures and medieval arrangements such as silos. The islet, whose old houses have been razed to permit excavations, is located in the city centre, bounded by the streets of Boilermakers, Argenterie, General Miquel and Jean-Cordier. The remains were listed as historic monuments by order of 10 February 2015, marking their heritage importance.
The location of the site, although known approximately (accuracy estimated at 6/10), places these remains at 23 Rue de l'Argenterie. Their discovery enriched the understanding of the ancient urban planning of Béziers, a city whose Roman heritage, like the amphitheatre, was already partially documented. Excavations also revealed the superimposition of historical periods, illustrating the evolution of the site from antiquity to the Middle Ages.
