Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 25 April |
The Feast of Saint Mark
Aleteia logo
News
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Archaeologists discover a “French Pompeii” near Lyon

web-mideval-couple-pompeii-public-domain

Public Domain

Daniel Esparza - published on 08/02/17

The findings in southeastern France are “the most exceptional excavation of a Roman site in 40 or 50 years.”

Vienne, on the River Rhone, close to the French city of Lyon, is already well known for being home to a Roman theatre and temple. In fact, the city was a flourishing Roman colony by the year 47 BC. But now, a group of archaeologists just unearthed a full ancient Roman neighborhood, including vast public spaces and luxury homes. As the site was abandoned after being affected by a fire, the leader of the excavation team, Benjamin Clément, calls it “a little Pompeii.”

The ruins were found, according to the BBC, “during preliminary work to build new housing in the suburb of Sainte-Colombe.” At first, the discoveries were confined to the right bank of the river, but now some new findings have been also made on the other bank.

You can read the full story here.

Tags:
ArchaeologyHistory
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.