Arch of Campanus

The Arch of Campanus, locally known as Arc de Campanus, is an ancient monument that stands proudly in the heart of Aix-les-Bains, a picturesque town in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France. This remarkable structure, with its slender yet towering presence, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Roman history and architecture.

The Historical Significance of the Arch of Campanus

Constructed during the High Roman Empire in the 1st or 2nd century AD, the Arch of Campanus is believed to be either a funerary monument or a monumental arch dedicated to the memory of a prominent family. The arch was commissioned by Lucius Pompeius Campanus, a Roman notable whose name has been immortalized in the monument's title. The arch features fourteen dedication plaques to various members of the Pompeii family, although only a few have been deciphered with certainty.

In the context of Roman Aix-les-Bains, known as Aquae during ancient times, the arch served a significant role. Aquae was not a typical urban settlement but rather a rural agglomeration frequented by the local aristocracy for its thermal baths. The proximity of the arch to the temple of Diane and the thermal baths underscores its importance in the social and cultural life of the time.

Architectural Marvel

The Arch of Campanus is an architectural marvel, notable for its dimensions and unique design. Standing at an altitude of 265 meters, the arch measures 9.15 meters in height and 7.10 meters in width, with a remarkably thin thickness of just 0.75 meters. The single opening of the arch is a round-headed arcade measuring 6 by 3.50 meters, beneath which lies a paved passageway marked by the ruts of ancient vehicles.

The arch is constructed from finely cut limestone blocks, known as Seyssel stone, sourced from quarries in Franclens and Surjoux. This white, fine-grained stone was reserved for noble uses, highlighting the significance of the monument. The decoration of the arch follows the Tuscan order, characterized by its simplicity and elegance.

Above the arcade, an entablature with an architrave and a frieze of eight niches, alternating between flat and semi-circular, adds to the monument's grandeur. These niches, though shallow, are symmetrically arranged and likely served a decorative purpose rather than housing statues or urns. A cornice and an attic complete the structure, although the upper parts are somewhat deteriorated.

Epigraphic Insights

The western facade of the arch is engraved with the names of Lucius Pompeius Campanus and his ancestors across two generations. These inscriptions offer a tantalizing glimpse into the genealogy of the Pompeii family, although not all relationships are clearly identified. Six inscriptions are carved on the attic, with only four being partially or fully legible. The architrave features eight dedication plaques, unconnected to the niches above, and the main dedication to the arch is prominently displayed on either side of the opening.

Despite the detailed inscriptions, much about Lucius Pompeius Campanus remains a mystery. His exact dates of birth and death, social rank, and functions are not documented, leaving historians to piece together his story from the surviving clues.

The Journey Through Time

The Arch of Campanus has witnessed centuries of history, from its Roman origins to its integration into medieval and modern structures. In the Middle Ages, the arch was incorporated into various buildings, which likely contributed to its preservation. By the 16th century, it served as the entrance to the town's justice hall, and later, it was part of a stable wall. The arch was gradually buried until it was saved from destruction in 1822 during the demolition of the surrounding building.

In 1867, the hotel courtyard where the arch stood was demolished, fully exposing the monument. The following year, the arch was purchased by the state, and in 1890, it was classified as a historical monument. Over the years, the arch has been the subject of numerous studies, with scholars examining its architecture, inscriptions, and historical context.

Modern Interpretations

Modern scholars have offered various interpretations of the arch's purpose. In 1996, German archaeologist Annette Küpper-Böhm argued against its funerary role, suggesting instead that it served as a monumental gate, similar to other arches in the Narbonnaise Gaul region. According to her, the arch symbolized the transition from the city's interior, marked by the temple of Diane, to the exterior, where the thermal baths were located.

In the early 2000s, Philippe Leveau re-examined the archaeological data from Aix-les-Bains, proposing new hypotheses about the ancient town's structure and the function of its monuments, including the Arch of Campanus. His work has contributed to a deeper understanding of the site's historical and cultural significance.

Today, the Arch of Campanus stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman engineering and the rich history of Aix-les-Bains. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, a visit to this ancient monument offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating world of Roman Gaul.