Le monde gallo-romain 5

Vertillum was the main Gallo-Roman city of the Châtillonnais region. It was located at the crossroads of ancient roads connecting the major Gallo-Roman cities of Sens, Langres, and Autun. The site was abandoned at the end of Antiquity. Having not experienced subsequent urban development, many remains have been discovered there since the mid-19th century.

The city’s grid layout reflects the Roman style of urban planning, where a main street, called the cardo, is regularly intersected by perpendicular streets.

At the center of the city was a large square around which public buildings such as the imperial temple and the market were arranged. One side was occupied by wealthy merchants. Numerous artisans operated from houses that served as workshops opening directly onto the streets.

The museum holds over 300 tools belonging to builders, potters, glassmakers, shoemakers, weavers, metalworkers, and also bone carvers, along with products from these trades. This collection offers a vivid glimpse into daily life during the Gallo-Roman period.