In Rennes, northwestern France, archaeologists have uncovered remnants of a vibrant ancient Roman city beneath a 19th-century hospital. This significant discovery, initiated in 2022, is now revealing detailed insights into the city’s structure and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Rennes, known in antiquity as Condate, has once again revealed its hidden past through ongoing archaeological excavations.
An INRAP team has unearthed significant remains dating back to between the 1st and 6th centuries AD at the site of the former Hôtel Dieu hospital. These discoveries provide fascinating insights into the residential, commercial, and religious life of this ancient Roman city, the INRAP report explains. The Seven Hills of Rome: Center Stage in Rome’s Eventful History Ancient Lutetia: The Roman Roots of Paris Small oil lamp found in the area searched in 2022.
(© Emmanuelle Collado/ Inrap ) Discovering the Heart of Condate Ahead of the redevelopment of the Hôtel Dieu hospital site by Linkcity, in partnership with local entities, an extensive excavation has been conducted. This project covers a total area of 5,600 square meters. This recent phase of excavation completes the archaeological studies previously conducted in the Cochardière district (2016-2017) and the Parc des Tanneurs (2017-2018).
The excavations reveal a well-planned urban landscape, with remains organized around a north-south street (cardo) and two east-west streets (decumanus). These streets intersect at .