French archaeologists from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) have reported the discovery of an ancient Roman settlement on the Hermitage hill slope near the town of Ales, in the south of France. Excavations, which took place from February to June, covered an area of about 3750 square meters and revealed traces of continuous activity from the 2nd to the 6th century AD.
Key discovery was a mosaic measuring about 4.5 by 3.8 meters, located in a room of an ancient Roman house. The geometric pattern of black, white, and red tesserae is decorated with touches of yellow and purple. Experts believe that cinnabar, an expensive mineral pigment available mainly to the elite, was used to create the red. The unevenness of the ornament may indicate the existence of adjacent rooms.
Archaeologists also discovered a complex drainage system built from cut and connected amphora ends. It diverted rainwater from the building's roof, highlighting the Romans' engineering ingenuity. In addition, the walls of some houses were covered with clay to protect against leaks, and the floors were laid on a base of rubble and limestone dust.
On the south of the site, a late Roman necropolis with ten burials dating to the 5th–6th century was found. Most of the burials contained no inventory, but they had a clear western orientation. Radiocarbon dating is being conducted for two additional graves discovered in the northwest.
The findings provide valuable material for understanding urban life, engineering, and burial practices in Gaul during the late Roman period. The level of technical complexity and preservation of the mosaic makes this discovery one of the most significant in the region in recent decades.