Tobysmum
The Via Domitia.
In the centre of Narbonne’s town square is a cleverly exposed section of Roman road. This was the Via Domitia, the first Roman road to have been built in Gaul and it enabled the movement of soldiers and traders between Italy and Spain. The town of Narbo Martius was established here in 118 BC, taking advantage of the junction between the Via Aquitania and the Via Domitia, as well as the potential then for a port. It was a successful colony and later became the capital of Gallia Narbonensis. Inscriptions and contemporary accounts suggest that it was a prosperous town, with the largest amphitheatre in the region, many temples, public baths and luxury town houses.
The Via Domitia.
In the centre of Narbonne’s town square is a cleverly exposed section of Roman road. This was the Via Domitia, the first Roman road to have been built in Gaul and it enabled the movement of soldiers and traders between Italy and Spain. The town of Narbo Martius was established here in 118 BC, taking advantage of the junction between the Via Aquitania and the Via Domitia, as well as the potential then for a port. It was a successful colony and later became the capital of Gallia Narbonensis. Inscriptions and contemporary accounts suggest that it was a prosperous town, with the largest amphitheatre in the region, many temples, public baths and luxury town houses.