Anderitum (Gaul)

Anderitum, known as ad Gabalos in the late 3rd century and as Javols in subsequent centuries, is a Gallo-Roman town located in the French department of Lozère, within the current territory of the commune of Peyre-en-Aubrac. It functioned as the capital of the civitas of the Gabali from the late 1st century BC until approximately the 5th century AD.

Anderitum was probably established following a scattered La Tène culture settlement that extended beyond the ancient town's site. It was probably founded during the reign of Augustus in the last two decades of the 1st century BC, like many civitas capitals. By the 2nd century, the town reached its peak, covering approximately 40 hectares with a population of several thousand inhabitants. It included several residences, three identified domus, an amphitheater or possibly a theater-amphitheater, two thermal establishments, and a civic center with a forum, a curia, and a basilica. The urban layout followed an orthogonal street grid. However, its peak was short-lived, and the town began to decline as early as the following century, making Anderitum one of the "ephemeral capitals" of Roman Gaul. The capital was later moved to Mende in the Middle Ages, which increased its political and economic importance as the diocesan seat. Consequently, the ancient town of Anderitum gradually gave way to the village of Javols.

Archaeological explorations and excavations in the town's center started in the 19th century. The remains of Anderitum's monumental center were designated as historical monuments in 1954, with the entire site receiving protection in 1991. Landscape enhancements have recreated the street layout of the agglomeration, and restoration work on key remains has enhanced the visitor experience. Virtual reality technologies provide a reconstruction of the ancient town.