Jardin des Vestiges

The Jardin des Vestiges is a garden containing the archaeological remains of the ancient port of Marseille. In Greek times, the old port extended further to the east and up to the northeast forming what is known as the horn of the port which ended in a marshy area. 

The oldest discoveries were made in the northwestern part and involved a portion of the north–south road which dates back to the 6th century BC. A first rampart made up of a white limestone base from Saint-Victor surmounted by an elevation in raw clay bricks dating from the end of the 5th century BC was also discovered.

In the second half of the 2nd century BC, the rampart was rebuilt on a large scale, this time in blocks of pink limestone from Cape Couronne, transported by boat. It is this rampart that defended the city during the siege of Julius Caesar in 49 BC. It would remain in use until the beginning of the Middle Ages. The wall was built according to a usual technique of Greek military architecture with two facings built with standardized blocks, the interior being filled with residues from the cutting of blocks or stones from the old rampart.

The porte d’Italie was guarded by two towers built to the east of the previous towers of the 4th century BC. To the east of the garden and near the gallery of the Center Bourse is a large square freshwater basin made at the beginning of the 2nd century, about 15 m on each side, in well-paired stones, comprising on the whole five courses. 

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Rue Henri Barbusse 12, Marseille, France

Details

Founded: 6th century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in France
Historical period: Arrival of Celts (France)