Forum de Vieux-la-Romaine

The Gallo-Roman forum of Vieux-la-Romaine belongs to the archaeological site of the ancient Aregenua, situated approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) south of Caen. As a symbol of a Roman city in Gallia Lugdunensis, the forum was a key site showcasing the process of 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 the lack of protective walls. The administrative reorganization of the Western Roman Empire in the early 5th century led to Aregenua losing its status as the capital city, which was transferred to Bayeux. The forum site has been the focus of archaeological excavations since the 17th century, 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.

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