The first theatre

From the middle of the 1st century AD, Argentomagus was provided with a theatre where its population could attend the so-called ludi scaenici literally translated as "scenic games". At that time, tragedy, comedy, mime and dance topped the bills in Roman theatres, swaying public attitudes and honouring the gods. Often religious festivals were the occasion for crowds to gather at the theatre to see a production. This divine patronage was frequently manifest inside the auditorium with the presence of altars and statues, and outside with the construction of a temple from which the god contemplated the plays which unfolded before his eyes.

In constructing a stone theatre, Argentomagus was affirming its standing within the network of secondary Biturige towns. This first theatre corresponds to the time at which the Gallo-Roman dignitaries were passing plans to construct stone buildings to their architects, who then tried to adapt them to small-town budgets and public needs. The theatre's first incarnation possessed only one stone wall. Inside, the wooden terracing inclined with the natural slope of the hillside. Seen to be too small, it was decided to construct a second enclosing wall, permitting a height of five levels of terracing. It was only at the end of the 1st century AD that the town finally equipped its theatre with stone terracing.

The Amphitheatre

The new building was integrated into the urban fabric at the juncture between the old oppidum and the new Gallo-Roman development zone. The building has never been the subject of excavations. Only two of its walls, built in the rectangular random-rubble work characteristic of the 2nd century, have been thus far revealed. A series of level curves lead onto a major axis between 80 and 100 metres long, suggesting the building was aligned north-east/south-west.

A new theatre

During the 150s, the dignitaries of Argentomagus were faced with a problem: their theatre was in poor condition and was too small to accommodate the town's population. They took a decision to demolish it and build a larger one in its place.

So began one of the largest public works the town had ever witnessed. First of all, the old building had to be taken down and the stone, doors, terracing and steps all salvaged for the new construction. Then the lower part of the slope had to be dug out and the upper part backfilled with earth in order to increase the amount of terracing and improve viewing conditions.

After the walls went up, the vaults for the radiating passageways were constructed and the terracing installed on the cavea. Finally, the stage was built and the decorations completed.

From that time, Argentomagus possessed an 85 metre-diameter theatre equipped with a network of radiating and concentric passageways allowing efficient public access.

The dignitaries had a special section of terracing at their disposal which abutted the wall of the orchestra. From both sides of the stage they could make their grand entrances, equally accessible to those spectators in the front rows of the cavea. The priest or producer who presided over the ludi scaenici would stand on a platform crossing the cavea. The design of the new building accentuated the distinctions between the various social classes and underlined the importance of the groups of dignitaries.

In this form, the new theatre at Argentomagus served the town throughout the second century, though a little less during the third century as Gaul, like other regions in the Empire, began to experience grave economic difficulties.

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The thermal baths

Although the theatrical performances were very popular, they took place according to a fixed calendar on only a few days per year. Going to the thermal baths for physical exercise or for taking care of your body, however, was an event to be undertaken as and when required.

More than anywhere else, the baths were at the heart of social life in the Roman empire: it was here one came to discuss the issues of the day and to relax amongst friends. It was here also that one came for culture - to listen to music or to attend public lectures.

In Argentomagus only one bath house has been excavated. Its floor is made from 3cm thick limestone slabs and its walls, filled with tuileau mortar, still have a marble plinth 16 cms high. Nearby, two sculpted blocks have been found together with the capital of a pilaster which would have framed a bay, perhaps that leading to the pool itself.

Analysis of the decoration on the pilaster reveals similarities to that on the stage wall in the theatre, suggesting that it was made in the second half of the 2nd century.