Roman Sculptures and Advanced Waterworks Unearthed as Excavations Resume at Saint-Martin-au-Val

Excavations Reignite at Saint-Martin-au-Val Sanctuary

According to НВ — Техно: In 2026, archaeologists resumed their work at the sanctuary of Saint-Martin-au-Val in Chartres, France, uncovering an impressive collection of Roman sculptures, reliefs, and a sophisticated water supply system surrounding a large marble basin dedicated to Apollo. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the region's Roman heritage, a rare discovery for Chartres.

After a four-year pause, excavations at Saint-Martin-au-Val - ongoing for over two decades - have revealed numerous Roman-era sculptures and reliefs depicting mythological scenes. These artworks likely adorned the façade of a building devoted to Apollo. The centerpiece is a basin, more than two meters deep and lined with white marble, featuring a platform with stairs and a balustrade. A drainage or overflow pipe connects this platform to the water basin, highlighting the advanced architectural techniques of the period. The basin probably served a ritual function, as indicated by an access opening on its western edge.

Chartres’ mayor, Ladislas Verny, described Saint-Martin-au-Val as "an extraordinary testament to the city’s past."

He emphasized the municipality's view of the site as an "open-air laboratory" for archaeological research. Veronique Domagalski, deputy mayor for culture and heritage, added that "the latest excavations are revealing new insights into the sanctuary that has been studied for more than 20 years."

Additional Discoveries in Paris

Meanwhile, in Paris, archaeologists uncovered remains of a Celtic fort that was plundered by Julius Caesar in 52 BCE. The excavation took place in the courtyard of a Paris hospital near Notre-Dame. Burn marks on the fort’s walls confirm that the Gauls themselves set fire to their settlement. This discovery further underscores the crucial role of archaeology in illuminating the history and legacy of the region.

The recent findings at Saint-Martin-au-Val and in Paris reflect a growing scholarly interest in France’s Roman past. These excavations not only deepen knowledge of Roman architecture and culture but also shed light on the interactions between ancient civilizations in this historically rich area. Such discoveries lay essential groundwork for future research aimed at piecing together the region’s historical narrative and cultural identity.

As archaeological efforts continue to shed light on the region's rich history, a recent discovery in Paris has unveiled the remains of a Celtic fortress ravaged by Julius Caesar in 52 BCE. This find, located beneath the Hôtel-Dieu hospital, complements the insights gained from the ongoing excavations at Saint-Martin-au-Val, showcasing the diverse and tumultuous past of ancient France. For more details on this significant discovery, see our coverage on the Celtic fortress unearthed in Paris.