Jublains – Discovering the Roman Heart of Mayenne
Jublains – Discovering the Roman Heart of Mayenne
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Deep in the peaceful countryside of north-western France lies Jublains, a small village with an extraordinary past. Known to the Romans as Noviodunum, Jublains was once the capital of the Diablintes, a Gallic tribe that came under Roman rule in the 1st century AD. Today, its remarkable archaeological remains offer one of the most vivid glimpses into Gallo-Roman urban life in all of France.
Deep in the peaceful countryside of north-western France lies Jublains, a small village with an extraordinary past. Known to the Romans as Noviodunum, Jublains was once the capital of the Diablintes, a Gallic tribe that came under Roman rule in the 1st century AD. Today, its remarkable archaeological remains offer one of the most vivid glimpses into Gallo-Roman urban life in all of France.
A Town Born of Empire
A Town Born of Empire
By around 65 AD, Noviodunum had grown into a flourishing Roman town, carefully laid out in the classic orthogonal plan with grid-like streets, insulae (city blocks), and monumental public buildings. Positioned on a vital route between the Loire Valley and the English Channel, Jublains was both a strategic and economic centre, linking inland Gaul with northern ports.
The Romans built big, and they built to last. Over 2,000 years later, visitors can still see the remains of the theatre, temple, baths, and fortress – each telling its own story of Roman power, religion, leisure, and defence.
Highlights of Roman Jublains
Highlights of Roman Jublains
The Fortress
Dating to the 3rd century AD, the massive stone fortress was erected during a period of unrest to guard against invasions and local uprisings. Its thick walls and commanding towers remain among the best-preserved Roman fortifications in France.The Theatre
Jublains actually had two successive theatres, with the second built directly over the first in the 1st century AD. Seating thousands of spectators, it was the cultural heart of the town, where plays, speeches, and spectacles entertained the people.The Public Baths
Essential to Roman social life, the baths were built for both hygiene and relaxation. Remarkably, they were later converted into a church in the 5th century, reflecting the rise of Christianity and the adaptation of Roman buildings to new uses.The Temple
Standing quietly on the edge of the ancient town, the temple was dedicated to an unknown deity. Its remaining walls still suggest the grandeur of Roman religious life.
From Ruin to Rediscovery
From Ruin to Rediscovery
While parts of Jublains remained visible through the centuries, much of the site lay buried until the systematic excavations of the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 1990s, archaeologists revealed more about the town’s layout, confirming its Roman orthogonal grid and the scale of its civic life.
Today, the Musée Archéologique de Jublains brings all these discoveries together. Opened in the heart of the village, it showcases artefacts such as coins, pottery, tools, and statues, alongside detailed models of the ancient town. These exhibits provide the perfect introduction before heading out to walk the ruins themselves.
Jublains Today and Tomorrow
Jublains Today and Tomorrow
Far from being a static site, Jublains remains a living centre of archaeological research. Ongoing digs and studies continue to uncover details about daily life in Roman Gaul, and new technologies like ground-penetrating radar promise even more discoveries in the years ahead.
Plans for the future focus on expanding visitor facilities, enhancing educational programmes, and preserving the delicate remains for generations to come. For locals, Jublains is a source of pride – a reminder that even in the quiet Mayenne countryside, the echoes of ancient Rome still resonate.
Ten Fascinating Facts About Jublains
Ten Fascinating Facts About Jublains
Capital of the Diablintes – Originally Noviodunum, Jublains was the political centre of this Gallic tribe.
Theatre on a Theatre – Two Roman theatres stood here, one built over the other in the 1st century AD.
Converted Baths – The Roman baths became a church in the 5th century, marking the Christianisation of the town.
Fortress Strength – Its Roman fortress is among the best-preserved in France.
Temple Mystery – The deity worshipped at the temple remains unknown.
Strategic Location – Jublains lay on a key trade and military route from the Loire to the Channel.
Urban Planning – The town was laid out in the classic Roman grid, with neatly defined city blocks.
Archaeological Treasure – Excavations in the 1990s greatly expanded understanding of the site.
Living Legacy – Many Roman stones were reused in medieval and modern buildings in the area.
Ongoing Research – Jublains continues to be a focus for archaeological study in France.
Visiting Jublains – Practical Tips
Visiting Jublains – Practical Tips
Plan for a Full Day – Between the museum, fortress, theatre, baths, and temple, there’s plenty to see.
Start at the Museum – Gain context with models and artefacts before heading to the ruins.
Join a Guided Tour – Tours bring history alive with expert stories and insights.
Wear Comfortable Shoes – The sites are spread out across fields and grassy paths.
Check Opening Hours – Especially outside peak season.
Family-Friendly – Children will love the open spaces and interactive museum displays.
Bring a Picnic – There are beautiful spots near the ruins to sit and eat.
Respect the Site – Stick to paths and avoid climbing on ancient structures.
Photography – The fortress and theatre make fantastic photo opportunities.
Pair with Nearby Towns – Château de Mayenne and Laval are both close by for an extended day of history.
Why Jublains Belongs on Your Itinerary
Why Jublains Belongs on Your Itinerary
For anyone fascinated by history, architecture, or simply the romance of walking in the footsteps of the past, Jublains is unmissable. It’s not just a collection of ruins – it’s a living story of how Gaul became Rome, how pagan shrines became churches, and how a small Mayenne village still carries the weight of two millennia of history.
✨ Mayenne Holidays Tip: Visit in summer when open-air performances and events sometimes bring the Roman theatre and fortress back to life. It’s history with atmosphere!
✨ Mayenne Holidays Tip: Visit in summer when open-air performances and events sometimes bring the Roman theatre and fortress back to life. It’s history with atmosphere!
Download the Mayenne Holidays Jublains Visitors Guide
Download the Mayenne Holidays Jublains Visitors Guide
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