View source for Forum of Vieux-la-Romaine

{{Short description|Archaeological site of the ancient Aregenua.}}
{{Infobox monument|name=Forum of Vieux-la-Romaine|image=Forum de Vieux-la-Romaine 01 - dernière saison de fouilles 2016.jpg|caption=Remains of the forum of Vieux presented during the 2016 European Heritage Days.|coordinates={{Coord|49|07|40|N|0|25|22|W|display=inline}}|material=[[Opus sectile]] in various colors, [[plaster]]|location=[[Vieux, Calvados|Vieux]], [[Calvados (department)|Calvados]], [[France]]|image_map=Calvados department location map.svg|type=Archaeological site|begin=Early [[2nd century]]|website=www.vieuxlaromaine.fr|width=115 m × 51.50 m|dedicated_to=[[Ancient Rome]] civilization}}

The '''Gallo-Roman forum of Vieux-la-Romaine''' belongs to the archaeological site of the ancient Aregenua, situated approximately 11&nbsp;km south of [[Caen]].

As a symbol of a Roman city in [[Gallia Lugdunensis]], the forum in Lyon was a key site showcasing the process of [[Romanization (cultural)|Romanization]]. It served as a hub for administrative, judicial, and religious functions, reaching its peak in the 2nd and early 3rd centuries. However, the city began to decline in the [[crisis of the Third Century]] due to invasions and due to the lack of protective walls like many others. The administrative reorganization of the [[Western Roman Empire]] in the early 5th century led to Lyon losing its status as the [[Civitas|capital city]], which was transferred to [[Bayeux]].

The forum site has been the focus of archaeological excavations since the 17th and 19th centuries, initiated by the [[Society of Antiquaries of Normandy]]. The exact location of the forum was a subject of debate until recent research in the late 20th and early 21st centuries confirmed its position. Excavations at Vieux resumed, and through modern research techniques and traditional archaeological digs spanning nine years, the eastern part of the complex was uncovered.

== Location ==
[[File:Vieux-la-Romaine - Urbanisation - Epoque romaine.svg|left|thumb|300x300px|Location of various Roman buildings in the city of Rome.]]
The town of Vieux-la-Romaine is situated approximately 11&nbsp;km southwest of [[Caen]] and 20&nbsp;km from the [[Manche|Channel]].<ref name=":0" group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=67}}</ref> It is located in the [[Orne]] valley and bordered by the [[La Guigne]].<ref name=":0" group="D" /> The "Champ des Crêtes" site covers an area of 4 hectares.<ref name=":0" group="F">{{Harvsp|Delaval|2006|p=217}}</ref>

Vieux-la-Romaine is located in the ancient city of ''Aregenua'', a thriving urban center spanning over 2,300&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> and inhabited by the [[Viducasses]].<ref group="B">{{Harvsp|Vipard|1998|p=7}}</ref> During the early centuries, this region was likely densely forested and home to a large population of wild boars.<ref name=":1" group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=70}}</ref> It boasted rich natural resources such as [[chalk]], [[sandstone]], and [[shale]], ideal for construction purposes.<ref name=":1" group="D" />

Two thermal buildings were discovered in the Forum district,<ref group="B">{{Harvsp|Vipard|1998|pages=10–11}}</ref> with one located just 60 meters northeast of the building excavated during the initial dig.<ref group="F">{{Harvsp|Delaval|2006|p=218}}</ref> In this densely populated area, the dwellings feature a "system of streets with facade galleries" and a network of roads dating back to the 2nd century, similar to the affluent [[House with the Grand Peristyle in Vieux-la-Romaine|house with a grand peristyle]].<ref group="B">{{Harvsp|Vipard|1998|p=13}}</ref>
[[File:Marbre Thorigny Vieux la Romaine.jpg|thumb|Replica of the [[marbre de Thorigny]] plinth at the [[Vieux-la-Romaine Archaeological Museum]], depicting the achievements and philanthropy of Titus Sennius Solemnis.]]
Not far away is another thermal building that was excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries. This building, measuring about 90 m by 50 m, appears to have been divided between men and women.<ref group="B">{{Harvsp|Vipard|1998|pages=15–16}}</ref><ref name=":2" group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=71}}</ref> The baths were donated to the city by Sollemninus through a testament at the end of the 2nd century or the beginning of the 3rd century.<ref name=":3" group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=65}}</ref> Sollemninus laid the foundations of the baths,<ref name=":3" group="D" /> and his son Titus Sennius Solemnis completed the construction in 234<ref name=":2" group="D" /> before bequeathing revenues to the city.<ref name=":3" group="D" /> These baths featured all the amenities of the time, including alternating hot, warm, and cold rooms, gyms, [[hypocaust]]s, and pools.<ref name=":2" group="D" />

Dominique Bertin-Halbout proposed locating the forum between the Church of Saint-Laurent de Vieux and the remains of the baths, at the intersection of the ''Cardo Maximus'' and the ''Decumanus Maximus''.<ref name=":4" group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=74}}</ref> This hypothesis is supported by archaeological excavations conducted between April and September 1982, which revealed a portion of the forum.<ref name=":4" group="D" />

== History ==

=== History of the city ===
{{Main|Viducasses}}
[[File:Vieux-la-Romaine - Inscription funéraire paléochrétienne - Reproduction.svg|thumb|270x270px|Reproduction of an early Christian funerary inscription discovered at Vieux-la-Romaine, dating back to the [[5th century|5th]] or [[7th century|7th]] centuries.<ref group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|pages=148–149}}</ref>]]
The first artifacts found on the site date back to the 1st century BC.<ref name=":0" group="J">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Boislève|Tendron|2012|p=92}}</ref> The city of ''Aregenua'' was founded<ref group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|p=143}}</ref> in the 1st century, likely during the [[Augustus|Augustan age]],<ref name=":0" group="H">{{Harvsp|Bouet|Neveux|2006|p=32}}</ref> and served as the seat of the [[Viducasses]].<ref name=":0" group="H" /> The city flourished under the rule of [[List of Roman emperors|Roman emperors]] [[Tiberius]] and [[Claudius]],<ref name=":0" group="E">{{Harvsp|Bertin|1977|p=140}}</ref> reaching its peak in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.<ref name=":0" group="E" /> Roman-style public buildings began to appear around 120-140 AD.<ref name=":0" group="H" /> At its height, the city covered an area of between 30 ha and 37 ha,<ref name=":0" group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|p=145}}</ref> but most likely 35 ha for a population estimated at 5,000.<ref name=":0" group="H" /> ''Aregenua'' enjoyed certain privileges, such as exemption from the land tax owed to Rome (''tributum soli'') and granting [[Roman law]], which facilitated its growth.<ref group="H">{{Harvsp|Bouet|Neveux|2006|p=33}}</ref> During this period, the city acquired monuments for the performing arts and thermal baths; ''[[domus]]'' were also built, such as the [[Maison au grand péristyle de Vieux-la-Romaine|house with the great peristyle]] dating from the time of the [[Severan dynasty]].<ref group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|pages=145–146}}</ref> In the 2nd century, the city changed its name to ''Civitas Viducassium.''<ref name=":0" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=163}}</ref>

A significant turning point in the city's history was its incorporation into the [[Gallic Empire]], as evidenced by the discovery of two dedications to [[Roman consul|consuls]] of [[Postumus]] on an altar dedicated to Mars between 263 and 267.<ref group="H">{{Harvsp|Bouet|Neveux|2006|p=35}}</ref> Subsequently, in 275, during the [[crisis of the Third Century]], the city entered a decline period,<ref name=":0" group="E" /><ref name=":0" group="G" /> with Bayeux gaining prominence.<ref group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|p=142}}</ref> Unlike [[Jublains]], the city did not have a protective wall, unlike neighboring cities such as [[Lisieux]], [[Bayeux]], and [[Évreux]]. By the mid-3rd century, several districts of the city were abandoned,<ref name=":0" group="G" /><ref group="H">{{Harvsp|Bouet|Neveux|2006|p=36}}</ref> although some artisans, such as mosaicists, [[tablet makers]], and glassmakers, continued to operate.<ref group="H">{{Harvsp|Bouet|Neveux|2006|p=37}}</ref> Archaeological excavations indicate that no new construction took place towards the end of the 3rd century.<ref name=":1" group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|p=146}}</ref> In the early 4th century, metallurgical workshops replaced houses near the House with a Grand Peristyle,<ref name=":1" group="G" /> and roads were renovated and expanded, with a new street cutting through the House with a Grand Peristyle.<ref group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|p=147}}</ref> The city lost its status as the regional capital around 400, as documented by historical sources.<ref group="H">{{Harvsp|Bouet|Neveux|2006|pages=41–42}}</ref>

Between the 5th and 7th centuries, there is limited information available about the city,<ref name=":2" group="G">{{Harvsp|Fichet de Clairefontaine|Delaval|Hincker|le Maho|2004|p=148}}</ref> except for the establishment of Christianity, supported by the discovery of four early Christian funeral inscriptions.<ref name=":2" group="G" /> During this time, the city became more ruralized.<ref name=":2" group="G" />

During the [[Merovingian dynasty]], the city saw a resurgence evidenced by the discovery of numerous tombs dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries.<ref name=":2" group="G" /> However, there was a decline in the Middle Ages,<ref name=":0" group="E" /> leading to the relocation of inhabitants to a more northern site.<ref name=":0" group="J" /> Despite continuous habitation, the city did not become a bishopric seat like Bayeux.<gallery class="center">
File:Normandie - Haut-Empire romain - Cités et capitales des cités.svg|Vieux-la-Romaine, capital of the [[Viducasses]] people during the [[High Roman Empire]].
File:Normandie - Bas-Empire romain - Cités et capitales des cités.svg|Vieux-la-Romaine is no longer the capital of the [[Viducasses]] people during the [[Lower Roman Empire]]. The city is integrated into the Civitas Baiocassium.
File:Normandie - Evêchés de la province ecclésiastique de Rouen - Haut Moyen Âge-es.svg|Map of the dioceses of the [[ecclesiastical province of Rouen]] in the Early Middle Ages. Aregenua does not appear in this list.
</gallery>

=== History of the forum ===
The forum was constructed in the early 2nd century, underwent modifications in the same century, and further enhancements in the first third of the 3rd century.<ref name=":0" group="C">{{Harvsp|Service départemental d'archéologie|2015|p=63}}</ref><ref name=":0" group="I">{{Harvsp|Boislève|Jardel|2010|p=631}}</ref> During the early 3rd century, the forum decoration was enriched, reflecting "the peak period experienced by the capital."<ref name=":1" group="C">{{Harvsp|Service départemental d'archéologie|2015|p=64}}</ref>

After a political and administrative shift, the forum was repurposed as a butcher's shop at the end of the 3rd century. The territory of the Viducasses city was partially absorbed by the Bayeux city.<ref name=":1" group="C" />

== Rediscovery ==

=== 16th – 19th centuries ===
{{Main|Marbre de Thorigny|Normandy Society of Antiquaries}}
The first discoveries on this site date back to the 16th century with the unveiling of the [[marbre de Thorigny]].<ref name=":1" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=164}}</ref>

The "Champ des Crêtes,"<ref group="E">{{Harvsp|Bertin|1977|p=133}}</ref> spanning 4,000 m<sup>2<ref name=":0" group="F" /></sup> and situated near the forum, has undergone multiple excavations. The first excavation took place in the [[17th century]] in the southern part of the village, leading to the discovery of ancient and medieval remnants.<ref name=":0" group="K" /> Subsequently, in 1703, [[Nicolas-Joseph Foucault]], the [[Intendant (kingdom of France)|intendant]] of the [[Généralité de Caen|generalité of Caen]], conducted further excavations in the area.<ref name=":1" group="E">{{Harvsp|Bertin|1977|p=134}}</ref>

Subsequent excavations were carried out during various periods between 1839 and 1861, notably by [[Arcisse de Caumont]] and [[Antoine Charma]].<ref group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=68}}</ref> In 1828, C-A Gervais explored the same area as Intendant Foucault in the early 18th century, revealing the baths and the gymnasium.<ref name=":1" group="K" /> In February and March 1840, François Besongnet and Charles Gervais continued C-A Gervais's work, determining that the forum was situated in another part of the site.<ref name=":1" group="K" /> Arcisse de Caumont arrived at the site on March 19, 1840, to create plans of the uncovered walls and discovered the three rows of steps of the [[Curia]].<ref name=":1" group="K" /> The excavations conducted by the [[Society of Antiquaries of Normandy]] under Antoine Charma in 1859 focused on previously excavated buildings,<ref name=":1" group="E" /><ref name=":0" group="J" /> providing precise plans and detailed descriptions of the marble decorations used in the forum.<ref name=":2" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=165}}</ref> However, Antoine Charma's excavations resulted in incorrect interpretations, as he mistakenly identified the decorations as frescoes of baths rather than those of a senate or [[Civil basilica|basilica]].<ref name=":0" group="I" /><ref name=":2" group="K" /> A plan was drafted by Georges-Aimar Lavalley-Duperroux at that time, which was only rediscovered in the [[Calvados departmental archives]] in 1991.<ref name=":2" group="K" />

=== 20th century ===
In the early 20th century, [[Maurice Besnier]], in his book ''Histoire des fouilles de Vieux'', attempted to pinpoint the forum location by analyzing excavations conducted by the [[Society of Antiquaries of Normandy]] in the previous century.<ref name=":3" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=166}}</ref>

In 1972, a new archaeological excavation campaign commenced.<ref name=":3" group="K" /> Two probes measuring two meters by one meter were conducted to analyze the site [[stratigraphy]].<ref name=":3" group="K" /> These excavations unearthed artifacts dating from the 1st century during the reigns of [[List of Roman emperors|Roman emperors]] [[Tiberius]] and [[Nero]] up to the mid-4th century.<ref name=":3" group="K" />

In 1977, Christian Pilet continued Maurice Besnier's research and identified two distinct groups of baths, locating the forum in a different area on the site.<ref group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|pages=166–167}}</ref> Aerial photographs taken in 1987 and 1989 provided further clarity on the layout of the walls.<ref name=":4" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=167}}</ref> In 1991, Lavalley-Duperroux's plan was discovered in the [[Calvados departmental archives]], enhancing the interpretation of archaeological findings.<ref name=":4" group="K" />

=== 21st century ===
In 2005, towed [[Electrical prospecting|electrical prostecting]] surveys were conducted to pinpoint the forum location and generate three interpretation maps.<ref group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|pages=167 and 169}}</ref>

The [[Departmental Council of Calvados|Council of Calvados]] acquired the parcel of Champ des Crêtes shortly before 2006,<ref group="F">{{Harvsp|Delaval|2006|p=220}}</ref> turning it into an archaeological reserve. Subsequent archaeological excavations, organized by the archaeological service of the Calvados General Council in 2007, led to the development of an overall plan for the forum.<ref group="J">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Boislève|Tendron|2012|p=|pages=91–92}}</ref><ref name=":0" group="K" /> In the same year, two research phases were conducted, focusing on the houses and urban layout of the city.<ref group="C">{{Harvsp|Service départemental d'archéologie|2015|p=65}}</ref> The first phase carried out in June and July 2007 through sondages, helped create the forum plan and pinpoint the location of the Curia.<ref name=":4" group="K" /> The second phase commenced in 2008 and extended over several years.<ref group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=168}}</ref>

The excavations of 2007 revealed part of the central square of the forum with the help of two perpendicular trenches revealing stones and blocks of Vieux marble.<ref name=":5" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=171}}</ref>

== Architecture ==

=== Architectural complex in the city ===
[[File:Vieux-la-Romaine - plan du site.svg|thumb|364x364px|Simplified ''Aregenua'' map.]]
''Aregenua'' was constructed following the tripartite plan typical of many western cities in the [[Roman Empire]].<ref name=":1" group="J">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Boislève|Tendron|2012|p=93|pages=}}</ref> The administrative buildings were clustered together to create a central hub consisting of the [[Civil basilica|basilica]], the [[Curia]], and other municipal structures.<ref name=":1" group="J" /> This hub was established in the early 2nd century and underwent further enhancements towards the end of the century.<ref name=":6" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=174}}</ref> By the 3rd century, the construction projects were largely finished, but a gradual architectural decline set in. During this period, some public buildings were replaced by a butcher's shop,<ref group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=185}}</ref> which primarily catered to the trade of cattle and pigs until the 4th century.<ref group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|pages=174–175 and 185}}</ref>

In theory, the forum is situated at the ''[[Cardo]]'' and the ''[[Decumanus]]'' intersection. However, in reality, only the ''Decumanus'' is visible at this site, with several ''cardinales'' also evident.<ref name=":4" group="D" /> Additionally, the forum is positioned on a south-facing slope,<ref name=":4" group="D" /> combining political, religious, judicial, and commercial functions.<ref>{{Harvsp|Groud-Coudray|2007|p=13}}</ref>

The building located northeast of the Champ des Crêtes baths features marble floors and an apse room. Electrical prospecting has revealed a square area measuring 85 m by 50 m with a portico and shops on the southern side. A structure, possibly a temple,<ref name=":4" group="D" /> measuring 27 m by 14 m has been identified. As early as 2005, it was suggested that these functions, including "organs of civic and religious life," indicate the presence of a forum.<ref group="F">{{Harvsp|Delaval|2006|pages=217–218}}</ref> Additionally, the existence of a [[Civil basilica|basilica]], serving as a center for commerce and justice, is also under consideration.<ref name=":4" group="D" />

The location of the complex is a reflection of the city's history. The nucleus of the colony might be situated beneath this complex, as the blocks in this area are smaller (50 m by 60 m) compared to the larger peripheral blocks measuring 90 m per side. The forum likely stayed in its original location, which means it is not positioned at the geometric center of the Viducasses city.<ref group="F">{{Harvsp|Delaval|2006|pages=219–220}}</ref>

=== Characters ===

==== Forum description ====
The rectangular forum of Vieux measures 115 m by 51.50 m, a modest size similar to that of an ''[[Insula (building)|insula]]''.<ref name=":0" group="A">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Schütz|2007|p=2}}</ref> Two ''[[Decumanus|decumani]]'' provide access to it from the longer sides.<ref name=":0" group="A" /> It is situated at the edge of a plateau overlooking the [[La Guigne]] valley, surrounded by various streets, two ''decumani'' (G and H), and a ''cardo'' (C).<ref name=":5" group="K" />

The central square measures 68 m by 21 m<ref name=":0" group="A" /> and appears to be divided into two distinct zones: a sacred area to the west with a temple and a public area to the east.<ref name=":5" group="K" /> Surrounding the square are shops of standard dimensions ranging from 5.90 m to 6.20 m.<ref name=":5" group="K" /> Porticos separate the square from the shops.<ref name=":5" group="K" />

North of the central square, archaeology reveals the presence of shops and portico galleries that underwent modifications over the centuries.<ref name=":0" group="A" /> The shops to the south of the square remained relatively unchanged,<ref name=":0" group="A" /> and further in this direction was the thermal building discovered in the 19th century.<ref name=":7" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=170}}</ref> Traces to the west of the square suggest potential developments, but their exact nature remains undetermined.<ref name=":7" group="K" />

The porticos and shops are situated on the longest sides.<ref name=":0" group="C" /> In the western part of the north-south axis, two shops measuring 8 m<sup>2</sup> each (four meters in length by two meters in width) were uncovered during the archaeological excavations of 1982. These shops were separated by a wattle wall and a wooden partition.<ref name=":4" group="D" /> One of the shops is believed to have belonged to a grain and pottery seller, while the other was a pottery shop equipped with clay and a potter's kiln.<ref group="D">{{Harvsp|Pilet|1984|p=80}}</ref> In front of the two shops, a gutter and a sidewalk were also discovered.<ref name=":4" group="D" /> Unfortunately, these two shops were destroyed at the end of the 3rd century.<ref name=":4" group="D" />

==== Temple and sacred area ====
In antiquity, religious and civic life were closely intertwined.<ref name=":8" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=173|}}</ref> Archaeological evidence shows that no roads passed through the sacred area, indicating the likely presence of a ''porticus triplex''.<ref name=":8" group="K" /> The temple's dimensions, believed to have been constructed in the latter half of the 2nd century, appear to be 12.5 m by 11 m, with a wall thickness of 1.25 m made of Vieux marble for the east wall.<ref name=":8" group="K" />

Archaeologists suggest that this temple could have been dedicated to deities such as [[Mercury (mythology)|Mercury]], [[Sucellus]], and [[Vulcan (mythology)|Vulcan]], or to [[imperial cult]]s,<ref name=":6" group="K" /> all of which were revered in the city. A fragment of an [[altar]] referencing the cult of Vulcan and the imperial cult was uncovered during the excavations.<ref name=":6" group="K" /> Vulcan, a deity highly esteemed in the Viducasses territory due to its abundant iron deposits, may have been particularly significant.<ref name=":6" group="K" /> Additionally, in a marble workshop, two molds from the 3rd century used for creating images of Mercury and Sucellus through coroplasty were also found.<ref name=":6" group="K" />

==== Curia ====

===== Construction and evolution =====
[[File:Vieux-la-Romaine - Plan général du forum.svg|thumb|279x279px|General layout of the forum in the late 2nd century.]]
[[File:Vieux-la-Romaine - Plan du forum (partie orientale).svg|thumb|306x306px|Development of the eastern section of the forum from its inception to the close of the 2nd century.]]
The forum comprises several buildings, including the local [[curia]] constructed in two phases.<ref name=":0" group="C" /><ref group="A">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Schütz|2007|p=4}}</ref> The initial phase involved building a significant room measuring 12.40 m by 9.15 m, which was later expanded and enhanced at the end of the 2nd century.<ref group="I">{{Harvsp|Boislève|Jardel|2010|p=|pages=631–632}}</ref> This phase continued until the second half of the 3rd century,<ref name=":1" group="I">{{Harvsp|Boislève|Jardel|2010|p=632|pages=}}</ref> with the room growing to 12.15 m by 14.60 m.<ref name=":1" group="A">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Schütz|2007|p=5}}</ref> During this period, the painting and [[Opus sectile|marble]] work were redone.<ref name=":1" group="I" /> Subsequently, the eastern facade was shifted by 1.50 m,<ref name=":1" group="I" /> resulting in a curia measuring 14.80 m by 14.60 m.<ref name=":2" group="A">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Schütz|2007|p=6}}</ref> The old eastern wall was repurposed to create a [[podium]] covered with limestone slabs joined by [[ceramic shards]], featuring three rows of steps arranged in a semi-circle.<ref name=":1" group="I" /><ref name=":2" group="A" />

The building is surrounded by an imposing wall, reinforced by buttresses in the eastern part.<ref name=":1" group="A" /> In the second half of the 2nd century, the eastern wall was lowered, and a new wall was built further away.<ref name=":2" group="J">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Boislève|Tendron|2012|p=95|pages=}}</ref> These adjustments allowed for an extension of the aula (courtyard) and an enlargement of the building by about three meters.<ref name=":2" group="J" /> The old eastern wall was repurposed as a platform, and niches were created to accommodate statues of various deities.<ref name=":3" group="J">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Boislève|Tendron|2012|p=96|pages=}}</ref><ref name=":0" group="C" />

The western facade features a [[stylobate]] made of [[Caen stone]].<ref name=":2" group="J" />

===== Decoration =====
[[File:Vieux-la-Romaine - Forum - Origine des roches décoratives.svg|thumb|282x282px|Origins of the different decorative stones used in the forum.]]
In the backfills from 19th-century excavations conducted by the [[Society of Antiquaries of Normandy]], plaster fragments have been discovered.<ref name=":1" group="I" /> These fragments have allowed for the recreation of marbled decor, although many are too small for a detailed study. The various fragments suggest the presence of an opus sectile with different colors from the 2nd century: one on a red background resembling red [[Porphyry (philosopher)|porphyry]], another with various shades of yellow similar to [[Chemtou]], a third on a pink background, and a fourth on a green background.<ref name=":2" group="I">{{Harvsp|Boislève|Jardel|2010|pages=632–633}}</ref> Among the depicted elements are the shadow of a [[candelabra]] base, a character's garment, and a panther's skin.<ref name=":3" group="I">{{Harvsp|Boislève|Jardel|2010|pages=|p=633}}</ref> However, most of the decorations have been lost due to the 19th-century excavations and subsequent site abandonment.<ref name=":2" group="J" /> Archaeological findings have uncovered a significant number of 36,280 fragments dating from the second half of the 2nd century, primarily attributed to the Curia.<ref name=":3" group="J" />

The materials used for decoration are diverse and sourced from various regions of the [[Roman Empire]].<ref name=":3" group="A">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Schütz|2007|p=7}}</ref> These include marble from the Greek island of [[Skyros]], [[Allier]] in [[Roman Gaul|Gaul]], Chemtou in the [[Africa (Roman province)|former Roman province of Africa]] (currently, Tunisia), and [[Phrygia]]. Additionally, [[oil shale]] from the [[Augustodunum|Autun]] region and limestone from the [[Pyrenees]] were also utilized.<ref name=":3" group="A" />

==== "Salle IV" ====
North of the Curia, "Salle IV" also features a [[stylobate]] made of [[Caen stone]].<ref name=":2" group="J" /> A 12-meter-long and 0.66-meter-high mural painting adorns the top of the facade,<ref name=":1" group="I" /> serving as a decorative element for the room's gallery.<ref name=":1" group="I" /> Unfortunately, only the lower part of the painting survives, as the upper part was destroyed in a fire during the mid-3rd century.<ref name=":1" group="I" /> This incident led to the reorganization of the gallery to the west of the Curia.<ref name=":2" group="I" /><ref group="C">{{Harvsp|Service départemental d'archéologie|2015|p=|pages=63–64}}</ref>

The quality of the plaster conservation varies greatly: some areas are nearly undetectable, especially in the upper part.<ref name=":3" group="I" /> The lower section is better preserved, showing a beige and khaki [[baseboard]] topped with a white strip, measuring between 25&nbsp;cm to 27&nbsp;cm in height.<ref name=":3" group="I" /> Above the base, there are imitations of rocks in diamond or disc compartments.<ref name=":4" group="I">{{Harvsp|Boislève|Jardel|2010|pages=|p=634}}</ref> These rocks are made of yellow marble from Chemtou, red porphyry, and green marble.<ref name=":4" group="I" /> The shapes are not perfectly geometric: the diamonds are irregular, and the discs are not always centered.<ref name=":4" group="I" />

==== Vestibule ====
The [[Vestibule (architecture)|vestibule]] is situated to the west of the forum and south of the [[Curia]].<ref name=":9" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=175}}</ref> It serves as a connection between these two public spaces, measuring 9 m by 5.90 m.<ref name=":9" group="K" /> The room appears to have experienced significant ground subsidence, leading to severe deterioration of the floor.<ref name=":9" group="K" /> Extensive renovations, including the installation of a new floor, appear to have been carried out in the latter part of the 2nd century.<ref name=":9" group="K" />

In the late 2nd or early 3rd century, the ''[[Vestibule (architecture)|vestibulum]]'' was enhanced with a grand entrance made of local marble measuring 4.10 meters. This entrance leads to the Curia, which is in the shape of a hemicycle and features three rows of steps and a podium.<ref group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=177}}</ref><ref name=":1" group="I" /><ref name=":2" group="J" /> The floor of the Curia is constructed of concrete made from gravel mortar.<ref name=":2" group="J" /> The southern and western walls were originally intended to have frescoes, but their interpretation remains unclear.<ref name=":2" group="J" />

==== Archive room ====
To the south, a passage connects the [[Curia]] to a room<ref name=":1" group="I" /><ref name=":10" group="K">{{Harvsp|Jardel|Lelièvre|Mazure|2014|p=176}}</ref> measuring 9 m by 4 m, with a floor made of pink mortar.<ref name=":10" group="K" /> This room, with its sole access from the Curia, is believed by archaeologists to have served as a ''[[tabularium]]'', a space used for storing public records.<ref name=":10" group="K" />

==== Statue ====
Archaeologists believe that a statue of Titus Sennius Solemnis, a prominent political figure of the city, likely adorned the forum in the 3rd century due to the discovery of the [[marbre de Thorigny]].<ref name=":4" group="D" /><ref group="E">{{Harvsp|Bertin|1977|p=138}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[U-shaped courtyard house in Vieux-la-Romaine]]
* [[House with the Grand Peristyle in Vieux-la-Romaine]]

== References ==
<references />

* ''Vieux – Le Champ des Crêtes''
<references group="A" />

* ''La maison du "Bas de Vieux" une riche habitation romaine du quartier des thermes d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados)''
<references group="B" />

* ''Vieux-la-Romaine, nouvelles découvertes et reconstitutions''
<references group="C" />

* ''Vieux antique (Araegenuae, Viducasses)''
<references group="D" />

* ''La topographie de Vieux - Araegenuae (Calvados), capitale de la cité des Viducasses, d'après les fouilles anciennes et les sondages récents''
<references group="E" />

* ''Vieux, antique Aregenua: actualité de la recherche''
<references group="F" />

* ''Capitales déchues de la Normandie antique. État de la question''
<references group="G" />

* ''Un exemple d’échec urbain en Gaule lyonnaise: Aregenua, chef-lieu des Viducasses (Vieux, Calvados)''
<references group="H" />

* ''Imitations de marbres du forum de Vieux (Calvados, France), quelques particularités de la seconde moitié du <abbr>ii<sup>e</sup></abbr> siècle apr. J.-C.''
<references group="I" />

* ''Aménagement et décor de la curie du forum d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados)''
<references group="J" />

* ''Le forum et la curie d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados): bilan sur les découvertes anciennes et les recherches récentes''
<references group="K" />

== Annexes ==
=== Bibliography ===

==== General books and articles on the city ====

* {{Cite journal |last=Bertin |first=Dominique |date=1977 |title=La topographie de Vieux - Araegenuae (Calvados), capitale de la cité des Viducasses, d'après les fouilles anciennes et les sondages récents |url=http://www.persee.fr/doc/annor_0003-4134_1977_num_27_2_5222 |journal=Annales de Normandie |volume=27 |language=fr |issue=27/2 |pages=131–150 |doi=10.3406/annor.1977.5222 |access-date=March 21, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Bouet |first1=Pierre |last2=Neveux |first2=François |date=2006 |title=Un exemple d'échec urbain en Gaule Lyonnaise: Aregenua, chef-lieu des Viducasses (Vieux, Calvados) |url=https://books.openedition.org/puc/9443?lang=fr |journal=Les Villes Normandes Au Moyen Ge |language=fr |pages=29–44 |isbn=978-2-84133-810-8 |access-date=March 21, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Delaval |first=Éric |date=2004 |title=Vieux/Aregenua (Calvados) |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/sracf_1159-7151_2004_act_25_1_1221 |journal=Supplément à la Revue archéologique du centre de la France |language=fr |issue=25 |pages=497–500 |isbn=2-913272-10-X |issn=1159-7151 |access-date=March 21, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Delaval |first=Éric |date=2006 |title=Vieux, antique Aregenua: actualité de la recherche |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41933768 |journal=Revue archéologique |language=fr |issue=1 |pages=215–220 |jstor=41933768 |access-date=March 21, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Deniaux |first=Élisabeth |date=2002 |title=La conquête et l'intégration à l'Empire romain |journal=La Normandie Avant les Normands |language=fr |location=Rennes |publisher=Ouest-France |isbn=2737311179 |access-date=}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Fichet de Clairefontaine |first1=François |last2=Delaval |first2=Eric |last3=Hincker |first3=Vincent |last4=le Maho |first4=Jacques |date=2004 |title=Capitales déchues de la Normandie antique. État de la question |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/sracf_1159-7151_2004_act_25_1_1160 |journal=Capitales éphémères |language=fr |publisher=Supplément à la Revue archéologique du centre de la France |issue=25 |pages=141–155 |access-date=March 22, 2020}}
* {{Cite book |last=Groud-Coudray |first=Claude |title=La Normandie gallo-romaine |date=2007 |publisher=OREP éditions |isbn=978-2-915762-18-1 |location=Cully |language=fr}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Pilet |first=Christian |date=1984 |title=Vieux antique (Araegenuae, Viducasses) |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/rao_0767-709x_1984_num_1_1_861 |journal=Revue archéologique de l'ouest |language=fr |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=63–84 |doi=10.3406/rao.1984.861 |access-date=March 21, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Service départemental d'archéologie |date=September 2015 |title=Vieux-la-Romaine, nouvelles découvertes et reconstitutions |journal=Archéologia |language=fr |issue=535 |pages=62–67 |issn=0570-6270}}
* {{Cite book |last=Vipard |first=Pascal |title=La maison du "Bas de Vieux" une riche habitation romaine du quartier des thermes d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados) |date=1998 |publisher=Service départemental d'archéologie du Calvados |isbn=2-9506496-1-0 |location=Caen |language=fr}}
* {{Cite book |last=Vipard |first=Pascal |title=La cité d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados); chef-lieu des Viducasses. état des connaissances |date=2004 |isbn=978-2-913993-05-1 |location=Château-Gonthier |language=fr}}

==== Books on the forum ====

* {{Cite journal |last1=Boislève |first1=Julien |last2=Jardel |first2=Karine |date=2010 |title=Imitations de marbres du forum de Vieux (Calvados, France), quelques particularités de la seconde moitié du IIe s. ap. J.-C. |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01781953/document |journal=Antike Malerei Zwischen Lokalstil und Zeitstil,Akten des XI. Internationalen Kolloquiums der AIPMA |language=fr |pages=631–637 |access-date=March 26, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Jardel |first1=Karine |last2=Lelièvre |first2=Jean-Yves |last3=Schütz |first3=Grégory |date=2007 |title=Vieux – Le Champ des Crêtes |url=https://journals.openedition.org/adlfi/7329 |journal=ADLFI. Archéologie de la France |doi=10.4000/adlfi.7329 |language=fr |access-date=March 17, 2020|doi-access=free }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Jardel |first1=Karine |last2=Boislève |first2=Julien |last3=Tendron |first3=Graziella |date=2012 |title=Aménagement et décor de la curie du forum d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados) |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01782294/document |journal=Décor des édifices publics, civils et religieux en Gaule durant l'Antiquité |language=fr |publisher=Association des Publications Chauvinoises |pages=91–110 |access-date=March 26, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Jardel |first1=Karine |last2=Lelièvre |first2=Jean-Yves |last3=Mazure |first3=Pierre |date=2014 |title=Le forum et la curie d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados): Bilan sur les découvertes anciennes et les recherches récentes |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01930557/document |journal=Gallia |language=fr |volume=71 |issue=2 |pages=163–188 |access-date=March 27, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Jardel |first1=Karine |last2=Lelièvre |first2=Jean-Yves |last3=Mazure |first3=Pierre |date=2016 |title=Vieux – Le forum |url=https://journals.openedition.org/adlfi/17069#quotation |journal=ADLFI. Archéologie de la France |doi=10.4000/adlfi.17069 |language=fr |access-date=March 17, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Jardel |first1=Karine |last2=Tendron |first2=Graziella |last3=Lelièvre |first3=Jean-Yves |date=2017 |title=Les décors d'applique de la curie du forum d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados) |url=https://docplayer.fr/33600769-Les-decors-d-applique-de-la-curie-du-forum-d-aregenua-vieux-calvados.html |journal=Décor et architecture en Gaule entre l'Antiquité et le haut Moyen ge |language=fr |pages=451–461 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Lacroix |first=Aurore |date=2013 |title=La vaisselle en verre du forum de Vieux (Calvados) |url=https://docplayer.fr/18394422-La-vaisselle-en-verre-du-forum-de-vieux-calvados.html |journal=Bulletin de l'Association Française pour l'Archéologie du Verre |language=fr |pages=48–52 |access-date=March 28, 2020}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Tendron |first1=Graziella |last2=Germain-Vallée |first2=Cécile |last3=Jardel |first3=Karine |date=2012 |title=Un atelier de marbrier dans la curie du forum d'Aregenua (Vieux, Calvados) |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01782294/document |journal=Décor des édifices publics civils et religieux en Gaule durant l'Antiquité, Ier - IVe siècle: Peinture, mosaïque, stuc et décor architectonique |language=fr |pages=111–134 |access-date=March 28, 2020}}

==External links ==
{{Sister project links}}
* {{Cite web |last=Daniel |first=Sabine |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Vieux (14): les fouilles sont terminées |url=https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/normandie/vieux-14-les-fouilles-sont-terminees-1048147.html |website=france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr |language=fr}}
* {{Cite web |last=Jacquel-Blanc |first=Louis-Sébastien |date=July 23, 2014 |title=Fouilles à Vieux-la-Romaine: sous le forum antique… des thermes ! |url=https://www.tendanceouest.com/actualite-76529-fouilles-a-vieux-la-romaine-sous-le-forum-antique-des-thermes |website=tendanceouest.com |language=fr}}
* {{Cite web |last=Jacquel-Blanc |first=Louis-Sébastien |date=September 7, 2016 |title=Fouilles de Vieux-la-Romaine: la fin d'une ère |url=https://www.tendanceouest.com/actualite-192349-fouilles-de-vieux-la-romaine-la-fin-d-une-ere |language=fr}}
* {{Cite web |date=July 23, 2017 |title=Patrimoine. Découvrez l'histoire d'Aregenua, la ville romaine enfouie sous la plaine de Caen |url=https://actu.fr/normandie/vieux_14747/patrimoine-decouvrez-lhistoire-daregenua-ville-romaine-enfouie-sous-plaine-caen_11263584.html |website=actu.fr |language=fr}}
* {{Cite web |last=Lascoux |first=Benoît |date=September 16, 2016 |title=Vieux ou les trésors d'une capitale gallo-romaine |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/calvados/vieux-ou-les-tresors-dune-capitale-gallo-romaine-4499860 |website=ouest-France.fr |language=fr}}
{{Portal|Architecture|Ancient Rome
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[[Category:Ancient Roman forums]]
[[Category:Ancient Roman buildings and structures in France]]
[[Category:Caen]]