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Founded: 1st century ADCategory: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in France
Historical period: Roman Gaul (France)
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The ancient site of Sanxay, located in the Vienne department of France, features remains from the 1st and 2nd centuries and was likely a rural healing sanctuary. Centered around an unusual octagonal temple, a Gallo-Roman theater, and a set of baths, the site spans about 20 hectares. Excavated in the 1880s by Father Camille de La Croix, most of the site was later reburied, with only the main temple, theater, and water sanctuary visible today.
The temple’s octagonal cella and Greek-cross portico suggest a connection to sacred water cults. A spring flows beneath its foundations, and its layout includes a large courtyard surrounded by porticoes. A buried channel links the temple to a nearby basin, likely used for drainage or ritual purposes.
The theater sits on a slope above the Vonne River and could seat up to 6,600 spectators. Its semicircular design blends features of both theaters and amphitheaters. Excavations there disrupted the stratigraphy and many inscription fragments found were later lost.
The water sanctuary evolved over eight stages, beginning as a temple and later converted into a bathing complex. While initially lacking standard Roman bath elements, it eventually featured hot pools built into old temple rooms, indicating a shift toward therapeutic use.
Other excavated buildings suggest a thriving community of pilgrims, including residences and inns. Artifacts recovered include coins, ceramics, jewelry, and statues of Mercury and Venus, many of which are preserved at the Sainte-Croix Museum in Poitiers.
Sanxay developed from the late 1st century BCE, reached its peak in the 2nd century CE, and declined afterward, likely due to Christianity’s rise. Today, the site is open to visitors and maintained by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.
References:Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.