Entremont, Aix-en-Provence, France

Entremont is a 3.5-hectare archaeological site three kilometres from Aix-en-Provence at the extreme south of the Puyricard plateau. In antiquity, the oppidum at Entremont was the capital of the Celtic-Ligurian confederation of Salyes. It was settled between 180 and 170 BCE, somewhat later than the inhabitation of other oppida, such as Saint-Blaise (7th to 2nd centuries BCE). The site was abandoned when it was taken by the Romans in 123 BCE and replaced by Aquae Sextiae (modern Aix-en-Provence), a new Roman city founded at the foot of the plateau. By 90 BCE, the former oppidum was completely uninhabited.

The site contains two distinct areas of settlement surrounded by ramparts. Archaeologist Fernand Benoit named the older area, on the summit, 'Ville Haute', and the lower 'Ville Basse'. Subsequently it was recognised that the latter was an enlargement of the former, and they are now labelled 'Habitat 1' and 'Habitat 2', respectively.

Finds from the site are displayed at Musée Granet and include statues, bas-reliefs and impressive severed heads.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Ferd Sen (2 years ago)
Very nice! There is a German and English translation on the large information board. At the bottom of the main road already parking strips, but calmly drive the white sign after the T-junction right up the mountain, there is a large parking lot at the top :)

Hans Goertz (2 years ago)
Interesting historical site

Jean Louis Verde (2 years ago)
Very interesting. Oppidum of ENTREMONTS. Gallic remains near Aix en Provence. Guided tours

Paul Comer (5 years ago)
Awesome oppidum. Signage pretty good, and even some in English. Send your kids hunting for the stone post with the recess to hold decapitated heads. Gruesome, they loved it!!

Hana Marie Havlíková (10 years ago)
Nice archaeological site, but I would appreciate more information about findings etc.

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