La villa gallo-romaine de Richebourg (Yvelines)

Abstract

The Gallo-Roman villa of Richebourg in the west of the Ile-de-France lies on the border between the Carnutes and the Aulerci Eburovices, on the road from Paris to Dreux of the Itinerary of Antoninus. A villa was first built immediately after Julius Caesar's conquest. The succeeding buildings of the Augustan era are of monumental appearance indicative of the social and political importance of the owners. A large "fortified " tower/granary suggests a fiscal role, perhaps to do with the corn supply (annona). Also notable is a garden area with a plantation plan of flower pots, as well a sizeable sanctuary zone. In the middle of the third century, the site was abandonned by the owner. Howewer, considerable agricultural activity continued up to the last decade of the third century.