Via Domitia

The Via Domitia was a Roman Road that linked Italy with Spain via an inland route over the Mont Genevre Pass.
It was the first Roman Road to be built in Gaul and ran for 482 miles (777km).

History

It was built in 118 BCE by the Roman Proconsul, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus.
It aimed to link Italia with Spain via the Province of Gallia Transalpina acquired in 121 BCE.
As Rome did not yet control the Ligurian Tribes in the mountains along the coast, the Via Domitia was routed away from them, inland via the Mont Genevre Pass.

Location

Gaul:
- From Italia, to Gallia Narbonensis and then connecting to Hispania Tarraconensis.
- The road ran over the Mont Genevre Pass in the Alpes Cottiae, then across southern Gaul to Spain.
- At Arles it connected to the Via Aurelia the southern coastal Road to Italy.
- At Narbonne it connected to the Via Aquitania to Bordeaux.
- In Spain it connected to the Via Augusta at the Trophy of Pompey, which then continued to Cadiz.

Route From Italia

Turin
Susa
Mont Genevre Pass
Briancon (Brigantio)
Embrun (Eburodunum)
Chorges (Catungomagus)
Gap (Vapincum)
Monetier-Allemont (Alabons)
Sisteron (Segustio)
Rainbow Bridge at Ganagobie
Notre Dames des Anges (Alaunium)
Cereste (Catuiacia)
Apt (Apta Julia)
Julian Bridge (Pont Julien)
- It crosses the Cavalon River and is 262 feet (80m) long supported by 3 arches with a height 36 feet (11m) and is one of the best preserved Roman Bridges in France. It was in use until 2005.
Notre Dame de Lumieres (Ad Fines)
Cavaillon (Cabellio)
Glanum, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
St. Gabriel (Emaginum)
- Junction with the Via Agrippa Arles-Lyons
- Junction with the Via Aurelia along the coast to Rome.
Tarascon (Tarusco)
Beaucaire (Ugernum)
- Crossed the R. Rhone here by ferry.
Jonquieres
- Milestone IX ‘Peiri di Novi’ engagement stone with Tiberius’ name inscribed on it.
Nimes (Nemausus)
Uchaud (Ad Octavum)
Vergeze
Gallargues-le-Montueux
Lunel (Ambrussum) (Ruins)
- Cart ruts in the Roman Road
- Ambroix Bridge over the R. Vidourle at Ambrussum (One arch still standing)
Castries
Le Cres
Castelnau-le-Lez (Sextantio)
Montpellier (not then in existence)
Montbazin (Domiti Forum)
Meze, Pinet
St. Thibery
- Roman bridge crossing the R. Herault (Three arches still standing)
Beziers (Baeterrae)
- Roman Bridge over the R. Orb has nine Roman Arches although the deck and parapet has been rebuilt.
Enserune Oppidum
Narbonne (Narbo Martius)
- Roman Bridge ‘Pont des Marchants’ over the Aude (Under the shops built over it)
Fitou (Ad Viscensimum)
Salses (Ad Salsulae)
- The Via Domitia then divided into two Roads:

Coastal route
- Ruscino (6km east of Perpignan)
- Collioure
- Port Vendres (Portus Veneris)
- Banyuls

Inland route
- Summus Pyrenaeus. Col de Panissars (Perthus Pass)
  - Meeting point of the Via Domitia with the Via Augusta with Roman Forts to defend it and collect Customs Duties.
  - Trophy of Pompey is located here which celebrates his victory in 71 BCE over the Republican Armies in Hispania led by Quintus Sertorius.

Roman Roads in France

Photo and map: Narbonne