Alba-la-Romaine

Alba -la -Romaine is a municipality with 1399 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) in southern France in Ardèche, in the Rhône -Alpes. Its inhabitants are called Albains and Alba Ines.

Geography and History

Alba is located in the Bas Vivarais south of the mountain range Coiron on a limestone plateau in the level of the river Escoutay about 10 km west of the Rhône. Neighboring communities are Saint- Thomé and Valvignères. The nearest major city is Montelimar in twelve kilometers to the northeast. The historic old town is situated on a rock, which dominates the flow level. On its summit is the castle of Alba from the 17th century and a striking rocks of basalt. The village houses are laid out in the form of a round circle around the castle.

History

Alba was from the first to the fifth century capital of Helvier, a relatively small Celtic people. As a Roman citizen, they renamed the place in Latin Alba Augusta Helvorum. Under Emperor Augustus, the town was beautified gorgeously in the Roman style, was built by a forum, baths, an aqueduct and an amphitheater.

In the fourth century, Alba seat of the first Helvetic diocese, before the town was completely destroyed by the Vandals. As a result of this disaster, the village was part of the diocese of Viviers in the fifth century.

In the Middle Ages the town was named Aps, named after its first feudal lords, who settled in fortified castles. Subsequently, the community came into possession of Adhemar and Baume- Suze. During this time next Aps was a twin village named La Roche. This was developed following the same pattern and also owned a castle on a basalt rock. After a further destruction of Alba by the barbarians, the village was built in the medieval style of the sixth century on a steep slope above the Roman ruins again.

In the 12th century was a repeated part structure of individual districts, after Alba was destroyed in the wars of religion for the third time. In the 13th century it was granted the citizens a charter for duty exemption. The Barony of the community, which was first mentioned in the 11th century, allowed the lords from the year 1604 to become a member of the twelve barons, who administered the areas of Vivarais.

On November 20, 1903, the municipality Aps got back its original name Alba, who was at Alba -la- Romaine, to commemorate the old Roman fortress, extended on 5 June 1986.

There is a grave relief of the first known by name Bonners, a Roman legionary who (today Alba -la -Romaine ) was 35 AD from A. Helviorium On the wall of the Jewish cemetery in the north of Bonn. The inscription reads, translated from the Latin: " The Publius Clodius, son of Publius, of the tribe District Voltinia ( roughly present-day Provence), who was born in Alba, soldier of the 1st Legion, 48 years old, with 25 years of service [ deceased ]. He is buried here. "

Attractions and Tourism

The community Alba is known mainly because of their excavations ancient Roman sites, which began in the 19th century under the direction of the astronomer Honoré Flaugergues. Today the area of archaeological activity is 30 hectares. Among other things, the remains of a Roman theater was discovered, the offered space in the ancient world up to 3000 spectators and is still used today for events. In addition, under the name Palais et Pinard traces of Roman settlements have been found. Over the river Escoutay still performs a Roman bridge.

The five-storey castle Alba was restored and rebuilt in the 17th century. At this time, it combined the functions of a military base and a residence of the lords. Today it is a witness to the power and prestige of the community Alba in the Middle Ages. In addition, it is used in the summer still for contemporary art exhibitions and concerts.

The remains of the old rampart can be seen in the neighboring town of La Roche. The Chapel of Saint -André, which was mentioned for the first time in 1281, was built in the 10th century, but later proved to be much too small. In 1599 it was sold and replaced by the church Saint -André in the 16th century. At that time, the building functioned as a parish, community center and school. Other religious buildings are the chapel of La Roche and the ruins of the old priory of Saint- Pierre.

Economics, Transportation

Sources of income are farming, viticulture and tourism. The cultivation of the vine has a long tradition in this region and has been practiced by the Romans. There is a wine cooperative, some retail stores and arts and crafts dealers. Sunday will be held weekly market. The National Road 102 and two Départementalstraßen open up the place for car traffic. In Montelimar about 15 km away, there is a stop on the high-speed TGV train.

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