The streets of Toulouse hide many have just unveiled some thanks to the excavations made on the site of the future metro line C. Located at the François Verdier station, this titanic project revealed vestiges ranging from Antiquity to the Middle Ages , offering a fascinating dive in the Toulouse past.
An ancient city under the boulevard
Imagine: almost 2000 years ago, in the very place where we will soon wait for our metro, was an ancient road. archaeologists have uncovered a stake that could be a traffic path, as well as a pit filled with burnt furniture (glass, ceramics). This space would have served as a dump in connection with a cremation zone used by the inhabitants of the Roman era.
And that's not all! A small building dating from late Antiquity was discovered, as well as six tombs spreading between the 2nd and the 9th century. Among them, a burial particularly caught the attention: that of a woman buried with golden pearls, precious testimony of ancient funeral practices.
The Middle Ages resurfaces
By advancing in the centuries, archaeologists have found traces of the progressive urbanization of Toulouse. house foundations, streets, cellars and even latrines On the day, making it possible to learn more about the daily life of the inhabitants of the Middle Ages.
Another striking discovery: a brick brick dating from the 16th century, extremely well preserved, which used to cross an Aqueduct ditch. While certain medieval defensive elements have been identified, as part of the city's major gap, others are not found, including an old bridge and its barbican.
After seven months of excavations, archaeologists left the site, giving way to the construction of the station. But the adventure is far from over! Laboratory analyzes will make it possible to refine these discoveries and to better understand the past of the pink city.
and this is not over: in spring 2025, A new excavation campaign will start place Saint-Aubin, buried from Toulouse. Who knows what other surprises have in store for Toulouse basements?
While waiting to see these vestiges exposed one day perhaps, line C, it, continues to write history ... But this time, that of the future!