Making an entrance—Roman style
The monumental entrance of the shrine of the Fountain (Augusteum) in Nîmes
L'Augusteum (contemporaine) by image A.-B. PimpaudMusée de la Romanité
In the Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain) of Nîmes are the remains of an Augusteum, a monumental complex dedicated to the imperial cult. Built in 25 BC, it comprised several monuments: a structure containing pools called a nymphaeum, an altar, the so-called Temple of Diana, a theater, and the Magne Tower.
L'Augusteum (contemporaine) by image A.-B. PimpaudMusée de la Romanité
The imperial cult, which involved rituals, offerings, or sacrifices in honor of the emperor and his family, was installed on a pre-existing place of worship. The first Gallic inhabitants, the Arecomici, paid their respects to Nemausos, the Gallic god of the spring, here.
The imperial altar and the nymphaeum were separated by three porticoes, covered galleries with columns or arcades. The propylaea refers to the monumental entrance that embellished these porticoes. From there, a road connected the compound to the rest of the city, most notably the forum.
Propylées, reconstitution (contemporaine) by image A.-B. Pimpaud - on-situMusée de la Romanité
This monumental entrance resembles the façade of a temple. Six Corinthian columns, with acanthus leaves on their capitals, are assumed to have supported a dedication and a richly decorated pediment. Fragments of this pediment and the inscription are now kept in the Musée de la Romanité (Museum of Roman Civilization).
fronton des Propylées (romaine ; haut-empire)Musée de la Romanité
A pediment is a triangle-shaped ornament, sometimes in the form of a segment of a circle that crowns and embellishes the main façade of a building. It consists of a tympanum, which often contains statues, and a cornice, which displays a rich ornamental collection.
Les propylées; les frises ornementales (Romaine, Haut-Empire)Musée de la Romanité
Some patterns are common in Roman architecture. Here we can find some of the most typical patterns of the time: leaf-and-dart (1), dentil (2), bead and reel (3), egg-and-dart (4), and arrowhead (5). They punctuate and visually enliven the façade.
fronton des Propylées (romaine ; haut-empire)Musée de la Romanité
The cornice was made locally: the stone used was extracted from the Bois des Lens forest, located 16 miles (25 km) from Nîmes. Additionally, the last block does not align perfectly in the horizontal part of the pediment. These two facts confirm the local crafting.
Propylées, reconstitution (contemporaine) by image A.-B. Pimpaud - on-situMusée de la Romanité
The capitals were sculpted in imported marble. Their highly classical and naturalistic style is typical of the second century. They would be a creation or reconstruction to the emperor Hadrian, who sought to restore the imperial cult during his reign.
Propylées; inscription (Romaine, Haut-Empire)Musée de la Romanité
The dedication is incomplete. The following letters can be identified: "RES PUBLICA NEM […] SESI |
IMPERATORIS CA […] ARIS", which can be translated as "The Republic of Nîmes" and "Emperor Caesar," although it is not possible to identify which emperor it refers to.
fronton des Propylées (romaine ; haut-empire)Musée de la Romanité
The inscription was composed of bronze letters, fixed by tenons. Unfortunately, it is too incomplete to identify who it was dedicated to and the patron. Several interpretations have been suggested but none has been adopted.
Musée de la Romanité de Nîmes - https://museedelaromanite.fr/
Realization: Ville de Nîmes - Musée de la Romanité
Iconography: © Ville de Nîmes - Musée de la Romanité
3D reconstruction © A.B. Pimpaud (Archeo3D - http://www.archeo3d.net/), Ville de Nîmes - Musée de la Romanité
Illustrations © on-situ https://www.on-situ.com/ , Ville de Nîmes - Musée de la Romanité
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