Nîmes

The Neolithic site of Serre Paradis reveals the presence of semi-nomadic cultivators in the period 4000 to 3500 BCE on the site of Nîmes [1]. The hill of Mt. Cavalier was the site of the early oppidum, which gave birth to the city [1]. The Greek geographer, Strabo, mentioned that this town functioned as the regional capital for the Volcae Arecomici, a Celtic people [1]. Nîmes became a Roman colony as Colonia Nemausus sometime before 28 BCE, as witnessed by the earliest coins [1]. Augustus launched a major construction program in the city [1]. Additionally, he ordered the construction of a 6 kilometres long ring of ramparts in the city, reinforced by 14 towers; two gates remain today: the Porte d'Auguste, and the Porte de France [1]. The Maison Carrée, a small Roman temple dedicated to sons of Agrippa was built c. 19 BCE [1].