NIMES (Nemausus)		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History & Occupation:

Nemausus was the tribal capital of the Volcae in the Rhone valley. It stood on the main Roman road from Italy to Spain and prospered early. The city must have been thriving even by the late republican period as Augustus settled veterans there in 27BC and raised the town to the status of Colonia. By the second century, Nemausus was as large and important a city as could be found in Gaul. The various barbarian incursions of the later Empire, however, cause the decline of the Roman city and gradually Nimes began to fade before its conquest by the Visigoths.

Remains and Visit:

There are many sights to be seen of Roman Nimes, including a city gate, walls, amphitheatre, temple of Augustus (known as the Maison Carree), a nymphaeum and a tower upon the hill above the nymphaeum that was later incorporated into the walls but originally of unknown purpose. It bears similarities to both known Roman lighthouses and also to the monument of conquest at La Turbie. Nimes is a delight to wander.

Images:

Amphitheatre	Nymphaeum	Tower	Aerial view (c/o Google Earth)