Diving into the 2025 Archaeological Mission
Beneath the surface of the Rhône, between the reflections of Arles and the alluvium of time, archaeologists continue to explore an exceptional heritage. Once again, they have uncovered traces of a fascinating past. Led by the departmental museum Arles antique, in collaboration with the Centre Camille Jullian, Inrap, and Drassm, the latest underwater excavation mission has revealed the unsuspected richness of the heritage buried in the river, offering a fresh perspective on the lives of the people and boats that once animated the Provençal shores. Three operations were conducted to explore the remains of an ancient Roman port, once one of the most dynamic in the Mediterranean.
A river steeped in memory
Among the discoveries, a small five-meter boat, dating from the 1st century and named Arles-Rhône 15, stood out for its remarkable state of preservation. Wood samples will allow researchers to identify the species used by carpenters of the time. These meticulous analyses will likely reveal the skills of Roman craftsmen, experts in building to last. Further along, a survey uncovered a port dump: broken amphorae, stoppers, vessels, and traces of daily life, attesting to the intensity of riverine trade. A massive timber frame from a large ancient ship was also found, marking the 25th wreck recorded in the Rhône. Finally, the AR7 wreck, dating from the 3rd century, yielded a spectacular discovery: a treasure of more than 850 copper and silver coins, reflecting a prosperous era when the Rhône connected Provence to the wider Mediterranean world. This exceptional haul tells of commercial vitality and continuous exchanges between the port and the sea. The next excavation campaigns promise even more revelations. Beneath the Rhône, history never truly sleeps; it waits to be rediscovered, ready to amaze once again.
