La voie entre Cessero (Saint-Thibéry, Hérault) et Segodunum (Rodez, Aveyron) : lieux d’étape de la moyenne vallée de l’Hérault

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the research conducted for over two decades on the portion of the Roman road from Cessero (Saint-Thibéry, Hérault) to Segodunum (Rodez, Aveyron) in the Hérault Valley, in particular the halting places dotted along this route. Interviews, pedestrian surveys, and programmed and preventive archaeological digs carried out on this small portion of the territory of Gallia Narbonensis have gathered a wealth of documentation. This has enabled the route to be traced, and shows that the volume of traffic, which developed mainly during the Early Empire due to the intensity of trade between the coastline and the Massif Central, resulted in the creation of halting places over a stretch of several kilometres. Comparisons with other roadside facilities in Narbonne, Aquitaine, Belgium, and also in Pannonia, are proposed, indicating the deployment of a standard model. Its use was frequent if not systematic, and it included several different modules. It appears to have emerged at the end of the Augustan period and its adoption was associated with a high level of functionality. In addition to the resources generated by traffic on the route, certain establishments also developed agricultural activities and/or potteries, indicating their multi-functionality.