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Gallia Narbonensis's Urbs of...
Nemausus
General Urbs
NEMAVSVS is the modern City of Nimes
Nemausus was the Gallic god associated with the springs of Nimes. Later he became the protective deity of the city. Tanaquil Sergius is the Curatrix of Nemausus
According to the legend the City of Nemausus was founded around a well sacred to the divine Nemausus, a son of Heracles.This name was preserved through history and was later used by Roman colonists. The spring’s well, however, had already been known in the pre-Celtic period of the area. Originally, the city had been the centre of a Celtic tribe, which soon came under the influence of Roman civilisation and adopted it. Nemausus especially grew under M. Vipsanius Agrippa, son in law to Augustus Caesar, and got the status of “Colonia” in the year 27 BCE, because veterans who had fought in the war against Antonius and Cleopatra in Egypt, settled here. The most important buildings of the city date from this era. The protecting walls and towers of the city measured 7 km (about 5 M) in length. Nemausus therefore belonged to the best fortified cities in all of Gaul. The Roman colony was about four times bigger than medieval Nimes. Although Nimes has found itself at the brink of destruction in wars many times, it kept developing itself after the Gallo-Roman period..
The Amphitheater: The amphitheater was built between 50 and 100 CE andit belongs to the best preserved specimens still standing today. Of you look close, you will find that this building resembles the Colosseum a lot and research has brought to light that the Colosseum may well have acted as an example. Mostly gladiatorial games were held in the Nemausus amphitheater. The size of the arena is 131 x 100 meters. There was place for about 21,000 spectators. Very much alike the Colosseum, yet nowhere near the same size. Of all still existing Roman amphitheaters it takes the twentieth place. Like the Colosseum and many other amphitheaters, the Nemausus building had spikes on the top rim of its construction, where a veil or sun screen could be attached. (Insert picture of amphitheater)
Maison Carree (Roman temple): This temple was built in 5 CE and it is the best preserved Roman temple today. Its ground measurements are 25 x 12 meters. The temple was dedicated originally to Augustus, then to Gaius Caesar and finally to Lucius Caesar. Its original place (i.e. in the original City Plan) was in the centre of the city , surrounded by porticos and part of a well shaped Forum. (Insert picture of rectangular temple) Diana-temple: The function and meaning of the so called Diana Temple hasn’t been really accounted for untilthis day. Partially destroyed, this building is interesting because of its columns and arches. (Insert no picture) Drainage: Nemausus’ water system ends at the so called Castellum. From here the drinking water was led into the various parts of the city. This water system is a specimen of major ingenuity and its remains easily point out what the system was meant for. (insert no picture) Tour Magne (tower) This tower seems to have been part of the original fortifications of the city, yet, it’s accurate function hasn’t been accounted for until this day. Some think that this tower is really a Mausoleum for some leader or leding family, others think it’s a light house, built after the famous light house of Alexandria, the Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, yet another group thinks that this building served some unknown cultural or cult purpose. (Insert picture of tower) Porte d'Auguste (Augustean city gate): This city gate lacks several items which once belonged to it and the columns on both sides, but its foundations have been preserved well. Two arches had been made to provide a two way traffic into and out of the city. In between are smaller entrance arches for pedestrians. All city gates were given by Augustus Caesar as a gift to the City of Nemausus in 16 and 15 BCE, which has been stated by an inscription in this city gate here, which was once made in bronze and could later be reconstructed. (insert no picture) Sources:
The Discussions of Nemausus:
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