Lugdunum Convenarum

Comminges stands on top of the Gallo-Roman village of Lugdunum Convenarum, said to have been founded by Pompey in 72 BCE on his way back to Rome from the conquest of Spain. The village grew for some centuries, reaching 30,000 in the 5^th century, but then was sacked by the Burgundians in the late 7^th century. Much of the foundation work has been unearthed. And much of the Roman village persists no doubt in the homes and other buildings of the modern day village of Comminges. Thus everywhere and always. Recycling! After lunch at a nearby church aire, we drove on, stopping at a Super U for birthday shopping (Armagnac and Cahors Noire), and then stopping for the night at the carpark outside the Niaux parc prehistorique. Or so we thought.

From the hill, looking down on the foundations of the 4th
century Christian church

Remains of the amphitheatre

Ditto

Sits just below the hill and cathedral

Centrum

Temple

Baths

Comminges and cathedral, from Lugdunum Convenarum