Fréjus : Archaeological vestiges of Roman pool

As part of the construction of a building on rue Aristide Briand in Fréjus, the city's archeology and heritage service carried out a planned survey between December 2008 and March 2009, at the same time as the strengthening of land, in order to preserve and expose the remarkable vestiges of an ancient pool discovered under the future building to the public. This site is located between the southern bulwark of the city and the northern limit of the old port. The excavation revealed several periods of occupation. At the beginning, a large basin 5 meters deep was dug in the rock, very close to the sea, with three arches in the center. Subsequently, this basin was powered by four channels carved into the rock, the access of which was regulated by wooden hammer. In the 1st century AD, a second, smaller concrete pool was built inside. The entire structure seems to have served as a pool; The two basins are connected by small cavities with lead grids. The southeast water supply channel is still in operation, while the other two are obstructed. The pool is in three quarters of the large remaining basin, as shown by niches made of tiles and amphorae integrated into its masonry wall. The pool was abandoned before the end of the 1st century AD and filled with two thirds. In the 3rd/4th centuries, other craft structures were built, including a tile concrete basin. Shortly after, a well was dug inside the large pool, already fully filled at that time. At the eastern end of the plot, a tomb of the High Middle Ages was discovered. Finally, the modern period is represented by a square well, using the ancient structures underlying for its casing, and having an exceptional filling.