Artist’s impression of Aix’s Roman theatre
Back in 2004, archaeologists uncovered what had long been suspected: a Roman theatre in Aix. After all, Arles, Orange and Nimes all had theatres or amphitheatres and it was only logical that Aix should have something similar. It turned out to be on the site of Notre Dame des Seds, some way from the Forum (near the Cathedral) and on the present Ave. Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny.
In 2004, 10% was uncovered
Excavations began. Excitement mounted. Then work stopped owing to lack of budget. The site was carefully filled in, protected for future development.
Finally a decision has been made about the site.
The town council meeting in December reviewed the situation and decided not to excavate any further for the time being. Their reasons? Mainly, they would have had to acquire a large area of land, compensating adjoining residential and commercial owners, including the Lycée Celony which has 600 pupils. The cost of all this would have been enormous. Added to this, the archaeologists in Aix are hugely busy with the ongoing digs around the Place des Precheurs. So this project is shelved again for the time being, leaving the site looking like this:
As La Provence commented: ‘Décidément, Rome ne s’est pas faite en un jour’.
Background on the site: http://www.aixenprovence.fr/SEDS
aixcentric 
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