Fifteen years ago, during construction work in Fréjus, workers made a surprising discovery: a Roman fishpond. This ancient relic, rare in France, is found in an unexpected place. Thus, this archaeological site immerses visitors in an ancient world, where engineering and mystery meet in the shadow of a crypt.

The Roman fishpond

engineering, channels and evolution over time

Over the course of the excavations, archaeologists have gradually clarified the function of the basin: it served as a fish pond. Indeed, the channels dug into the rock directly supplied the basin with sea water. These channels thus bear witness to the ingenuity of the Romans. In addition, the hand-carved walls still preserve traces of this meticulous work.

Later, the Romans modified the fishpond. They installed a concrete basin to counteract the silting. This concrete, made from lime and pozzolan, represents a real feat of Roman engineering. As Vitruvius indicates in his Of Architectura, this hydraulic mortar hardens on contact with water.

Crypt of the Roman fishpond Fréjus

A surprising excavation

During the construction of a building in Fréjus, the ground held a surprise much older than expected. After preventive excavations carried out by archaeologists, the construction site was able to begin. However, instead of a solid base made of red sandstone, the excavations revealed a mysterious hole filled with sediment.

That's when Pierre Excoffon, an archaeologist in Fréjus, stepped in. He discovered an impressive basin, measuring 10 metres on each side and 5 metres deep. This basin dates back to the Roman era.

The end of the use of the fishpond dates back to the second half of the 1st century AD. Initially designed to store fresh fish, it seems to have evolved. Indeed, niches and a continuous filtering basin were built, which could suggest a transition to a fish farming system.

This installation bears witness to the economic importance of fishing in Fréjus during the Roman era. The city of Forum Julii was, in fact, renowned for its production of garum, a fermented fish brine prized by the Romans. Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History, talks about this locally produced specialty made from fish intestines and a fermented mixture of small fish. According to him, the inhabitants of Forum Julii made a product similar to garum with a local fish, the sea bass.

Moreover, this fishpond, discovered in a strategic area between the city walls and the edge of the ancient port, offers us a vivid image of the economic and commercial wealth of Fréjus in the 1st century. Thus, it tells us about the city as an essential crossroads for maritime and food production in the Roman era.

The Roman fishpond of Fréjus is located in the heart of the city centre, close to the main historical sites. You can easily reach it on foot from the train station or the city centre, about a 10-15 minute walk. If you come by car, you will find car parks nearby. The site is also served by several local bus lines. Follow the signs to discover this fascinating vestige of the Roman era.

Entrance to the Roman fishpond of Fréjus is only possible during special visits. For example, the tourist office organizes a guided tour of the crypt of the Roman fishpond and the archaeological museum, every Wednesday at 14:30 p.m.

Firm. Opens at 14:30 p.m.
Avenue Aristide Briand (opposite the post office)
83600 Fréjus
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