A must-see
article | Reading time2 min
This dromos well, typical of the Mediterranean region in ancient times, is the only one in France in this state of preservation. Don't miss it!
In the late 1980s, a monumental well dating from the late 2nd century BC was uncovered beneath the Roman forum at Glanum.
With a depth of 10 metres and a diameter of 3 metres, this atypical "dromos" well ("corridor" in Greek) provides direct access to the water via a covered staircase with 37 steps.
But what was the purpose of this well?
Archaeologists do not consider this well to be a simple public facility, but rather a sacred place dedicated to the cult of water, in direct connection with a nearby temple.
Covered by the forum in Roman times, the well was once again in use when the city, destroyed and abandoned following the Alemannic invasions of the 3rd century AD, was used as a stone quarry. During this period, the well served as a water reservoir for the quarrymen. It was later transformed into a dumping ground.
A blessing in disguise ? In any case, there were some fine archaeological finds, including three limestone theater masks, imperial marble dedications and a Hercules head.
©JLT
