Vindunum

The Guardian August 17th (or view online at www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/17/france-archaeology/ a huge Roman town has been unearthed near Le Mans, and attention is being made to the temples that existed there. This was Vindunum, occupied between the first and third centuries AD. Whilst most of the stone masonry has disappeared to be reused in later building enterprises the ground plans, streets, and other features are quite clearly delineated – even down to some of the offerings made at one particular temple. These include Gallic, Celtic and Roman silver coinage, bronze and silver brooches, jewellery, pottery, and various small bronze objects. There was also a sledgehammer and a number of hammers which are also thought to have been offerings – possibly by metalworkers. It is not known what gods were worshipped.