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Introduction The first to third century The harbours Late antiquity Christianity |
Around 300 AD a city wall was erected, enveloping an area of some 375 x 130-213 m. It has been suggested that there was a forum in the north-west part. Some walls in this area may have formed part of a market (macellum). To the east a building complex of some 150 x 150 m., in the area of the later seat of the bishop, has been interpreted as military headquarters (praetorium).
Plan of Genava in the late-antique period. Drack-Fellmann 1988, Abb. 376.
Visible remains
I: Cathedral St. Pierre and bishop's residence; II: St. Germain and church;
III: La Madeleine and church; IV: St. Gervais and church and necropolis.
Other remains
1: ancient coastline; 2: bridge; 3: harbour; 4: boundaries of the former vicus; 5: city wall;
6: gate near Bourg-de-Four; 7: bulwark; 8: bishop's residence; 9: houses; 10: aqueduct.One of the gates was the Arcade du Bourg-de-Four, demolished in 1840. The passage through the gate was 3 meters wide. It was flanked by towers, measuring 11 x 7.5 m. and 5 x 4 m. The adjoining stretches of wall were 2.50-2.70 m. wide.
Part of the city wall in a courtyard at Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville 11.
Photo: notrehistoire.ch, Jean-Georges Mallet.At the north-east corner was a bulwark, consisting of towers measuring 8 x 6 m. and 9.5 x 9 m. with connecting walls.
Reconstruction drawing of the bulwark. Deonna 1942, Fig. 56.In 1721 a so-called missorium, a ceremonial gift given by the Emperor to a civil or military official, was found in Genève-Carouge. It is a silver dish from the late 4th century. In the centre is the Emperor, perhaps Valentinianus II (375-392 AD), with a nimbus around the head. In his left hand is the standard of his legions, in his right hand a globe surmounted by a winged Victoria crowning him. He is surrounded by his guard. In the lower part are weapons of the vanquished.
The silver missorium from Genève-Carouge. Diam. 0.27 m.
Photo: Musée d'art et d'histoire, Genève.
Introduction
The first to third century
The harbours
Late antiquity
Christianity
[22-Nov-2023]
