Jeans for Nimes Day

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Geo: 43.8346, 4.36086

Today we visited the ancient Roman city of Nimes.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the town prospered due to it's export of denim. Denim is derived from the words De (from) and Nimes, hence the title of the blog today. Levis Strauss exported the fabric to America, and the rest is history.

Nimes was originally a Celtic city (about 500 B.C.) before joining the Roman Empire in the first century A.D. It was where the water brought 30 miles via the Pont du Gard aqueduct ended up. The town was favoured by Augustus Caesar and was allowed to build fortifications and ornate buildings. Nimes was located on the Domitian Way which ran from Spain to Italy.

The first stop off for our visit today was the Arena (or Colosseum), which held gladiator contests and animal vs animal contests (lions vs bears chained together) over several centuries. There were many different types of gladiators who fought in the contests, each with different protective clothing and weapons. In later centuries bull fighting began, which continues in the Arena to this day. The Arena held 24,000 people seated, with the most important and well connected people closest to the action. Brutal is the only word that can describe the gladiatorial contests.

Next we visited the Maison Carree, which is the best preserved of the Roman Temples still standing today. The Greek influence can be seen in the design of the temple.

We then visited the Jardine (Gardens) de la Fontaine (Fountain), which were built by Augustus. They are amazing to see. The gardens also contain the Temple of Diana, which was really interesting to see.

At the top of the gardens was the Tour Magne, a tower that was the highest point of the city's massive defences. It was a magic view from the top of the tower.

Nimes has some of the best preserved Roman Buildings that one can find anywhere.

We had a great day, and were impressed with the city of Nimes, and the care they take of their monuments.

Only one more day left in Provence.

Au revoir.

Jim and Kim

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Photos

The Arena (or Colosseum)
A massive structure built for gladiatorial sports, and later bull fighting.

Maison Carree
Inspired by the Temple of Apollo in Rome.

Goddess Kim
at the Temple of Diana.

Jardin de la Fontaine
This photo captures just a little of the beauty of these gardens.

Tour Magne
The tower on the highest point in Nimes, that formed part of the city's defences.

Comments

[Shaz]

Hey from the photo title we can tell Jim hasn't got sick of your company. Will tell mum.