RELICS OF THE PAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 July 1938, Page 2

RELICS OF THE PAST

» EXCAVATIONS IN FRANCE. There are more than two hundred centres in France where excavations are being carried on by learned societies, and not a week passes but what some interesting and often highly important relic of tfie past is brought to light. Excavations which have been proceeding for the last twelve years at Saint Bertrand de Comminges have proved that remains here are part of Lugdunum Convenarum, a city destroyed by the army of the son of Clotaire in 585. The foundations of the town have been dug out, with forum and baths, an early Christian church, and numerous fragments of columns and capitals, pottery, ornaments, and terracotta tiles. A large number of small Roman oil lamps have been found with strange designs on them, some placed on a high shelf for the inspection of adults only. At Vienne (Isere) where the largest Roman theatre has been excavated, a statue of a female figure, once and a half life size, has just been discovered, as well as friezes of animals and other designs, An idea of the richness of this Roman theatre is indicated by the fact that the principal seats of the orchestra are of violet marble, and the most important seats specially decorated.