Nīmes Photo Gallery

les Arčnes de Nīmes

The Nīmes Arena dates back to the end of the 1st century AD and is a perfect illustration of the degree of perfection attained by Roman engineers in designing and constructing this type of extremely complex building. It is oval in shape, and measures 133m long, 101m wide and 21m high. Two quarries, Barutel and Roquemaillčre (located near the town), were used to supply the stones for the construction.

The faēade consists of two levels of sixty superposed arches and an attic, separated by a cornice. At the top, pre-drilled stones were positioned to overhang so that long poles could be positioned over the arena. A huge canvas canopy was then attached to these poles, thereby providing protection for the spectators against the sun and bad weather.

Narrative Source : http://www.arenes-nimes.com/en/nimes/41-an_exceptional_amphitheatre/

Pont du Gard

Nīmes was one of the greatest cities in Gaul when it became a colony under Roman law in 45 B.C. The population grew rapidly to reach some 20,000 inhabitants under the dynamic influence of the Roman civilisation.

The city's water requirements had previously been met by the Nemausus spring but construction of an aqueduct enabled Nīmes to flourish around a prestigious urban development including fountains, spas, sewage networks, monuments and thus acquire much sought after prestige.

Nīmes aqueduct was a major construction operation that took some 15 years to build between 40 and 60 A.D.

Narrative Source : http://www.pontdugard.fr

Tour Magne

The Tour Magne is the only tower from the original town built by Augustus to be still standing. It is located on the Mont Cavalier, the town’s highest point. The tower was originally a dry-stone oval tower similar to that of the neighbouring oppidum of Nages, with a maximum height of 18m and already part of a rampart.

Narrative Source : http://www.arenes-nimes.com/en/nimes/69-the_magne_tower/