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Remains of the Roman Empire in Provence, France with Dr. Guillaume Durand

Remains of the Roman Empire in Provence, France with Dr. Guillaume Durand


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Nestled in southeast France, Provence is a region that holds many Roman vestiges which have survived from antiquity. The name Provence itself derives from the Latin Provincia and was known during the Roman Empire as the Provincia Transalpina or Narbonensis. During our time together we will traverse this picturesque region through the eyes of a local archaeologist. 

We begin by establishing a foundational understanding of the geopolitics of the Mediterranean Sea, and how the Romans transformed the region into one of the wealthiest sectors of the Western Empire – dating back to the late 2nd century BCE.  Together we will examine a variety of iconic Roman artworks and sculptures which have survived. We will then study some of the most valuable Roman pieces of architecture we can still visit: 
  • the Roman Arenas in Arles (Arelate)
  • the Maison Carrée – one of the few examples of an Imperial temple, at Nîmes (Nemausus)
  • the Pont du Gard – probably the best-preserved bridge aqueduct of the Roman world
  • Les Antiques at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (Glanum) – an arch and a mausoleum, testifying to the romanization of the local population

Led by Guillaume Durand, Ph.D., an archaeologist and professor of Archaeology and Ancient Art History,  this discussion will provide an in-depth exploration and understanding of what constitutes one of the historical socles of French History. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge of the Roman civilization through the scope of one of its most important regions. 

Passionate about the regions and countries at the crossroad of civilizations, Guillaume Durand, Ph.D. has long-standing expertise in Ancient art and archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. Assistant dean and professor in archaeology and art history at the Institute for American Universities and the American College of the Mediterranean in Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume has traveled many times in Iran during these six past years in order to study the Persian Empires. He is also a tourist guide and lecturer in this country for French citizens.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
85%
(11)
15%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
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A
Anonymous (Cromwell, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
John Burke (Washington, US)
Good background for upcoming trip

Dr Durand was well organized and he presented material in an easy to understand way- providing a general overview of the topics to be covered. He then presented an historical approach and reasons why Roman expansion took place. His examples of historical landmarks, geopolitical issues and society were excellent. I am traveling to Provence in spring 2024 and I plan to visit several locations he described.

J
John (Chevy Chase, US)

We are going to Provence in September, and the Roman ruins are top on our list of sites to see. Dr Durand provided an excellent background for just that. Great photos and maps were an added bonus.

Y
YVON CARRIÈRE (Toronto, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

A
Anonymous (Cromwell, US)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
85%
(11)
15%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous (Cromwell, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
John Burke (Washington, US)
Good background for upcoming trip

Dr Durand was well organized and he presented material in an easy to understand way- providing a general overview of the topics to be covered. He then presented an historical approach and reasons why Roman expansion took place. His examples of historical landmarks, geopolitical issues and society were excellent. I am traveling to Provence in spring 2024 and I plan to visit several locations he described.

J
John (Chevy Chase, US)

We are going to Provence in September, and the Roman ruins are top on our list of sites to see. Dr Durand provided an excellent background for just that. Great photos and maps were an added bonus.

Y
YVON CARRIÈRE (Toronto, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

A
Anonymous (Cromwell, US)

Guest did not leave comment