Ruins of ancient Roman city — including luxurious house — found in France, photos show

The ruins of a Roman city were recently unearthed in the French countryside, shedding light on the region’s ancient, imperial inhabitants.

The findings were made during a five-month archaeological excavation in Avranches — a coastal commune in Normandy — which sits atop the remains of Legedia, a one-time Roman outpost.

A team of about 10 archaeologists used ground-penetrating radar, in addition to conventional excavation methods, to make the discoveries, according to a Sept. 11 news release from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).

Among the findings were the ruins of a lavish urban home, known as a domus. Inside, evidence of private baths were found as well as the remnants of colorful frescoes, which would have adorned the walls of the house.

Fragments of the frescoes — painted red, green and yellow — appeared to have been removed from the walls when the structure was demolished over 1,000 years ago, according to the institute.

Also located inside the home were pieces of amphorae, containers which would have held oil and wine. Bowls and cooking pots were found as well.

The luxurious furnishings appear in stark contrast to the simpler, wooden homes unearthed in the city during the 1980s, INRAP officials said.

Archaeologists also made several discoveries near the city’s forum, which served as the central hub for the city’s inhabitants. Sections of roadway were found as well as the ruins of administrative buildings — which were built, in part, with imported limestone.

Fragments of a 30-inch-wide column, which likely supported a public monument, were found near the forum. The monument appears to have fallen into disuse around the 5th century A.D. — some 1,500 years ago.

In addition to Roman-era findings, numerous artifacts from the medieval period were also unearthed during the excavation, including silver and bronze coins, officials said.

Several highly detailed objects were found, including a lead seal, which appears to be engraved with a coat of arms. It would have been used by a member of the clergy.

Archaeologists unearthed a small figurine depicting Saint Michael slaying a dragon — a legend commonly seen in medieval art.

These items suggest the area remained populated throughout the Middle Ages, officials said.

Further, archaeologists came upon a sprawling gravesite, made up of more than 300 tombs, which date to the medieval and modern periods. Some individuals were buried in wooden coffins, while others had grander resting places made of stone, per the release.

With the excavation complete, researchers will now begin studying the findings in depth.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from INRAP.

This story was originally published September 13, 2024 at 11:04 AM with the headline "Ruins of ancient Roman city — including luxurious house — found in France, photos show."