Instead I will go further back in time and show you another place in France, this one left to become a ruin with time. It is the Oppidum d'Ensérune, an ancient hill town in the south of France dating from pre-Roman times. From archaeological records, settlement there seems to have started in the 6th century BC, and disappeared some time during the first centruy AD.
Extensive excavation has been carried out throughout the site which is on top of a hill. The first ruins I saw were of individual buildings, here and there.
But then moving on into the main area, I realised that the town must have been quite extensive at one time.
It was clear from the view that the inhabitants must have been able to see enemies approaching for many miles, this obviously the reason for its position.
This view over the Etang de Montardy would have looked completely different, when a lake filled the area. It wasn't drained until the 13th century.
From my point of view, although the ruins were interesting, the views are what I remember best - combined with the chill wind blowing that day, they were breathtaking!
Technorati tags:
PhotoHunt, Ensérune, Oppidum, Montardy
Terrific shots, such an interesting history and, yes, the views are fabulous. I imagine anyone living there could feel like a king in the day :-)
ReplyDeleteFabulous views and an amazing place!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend.
And it looks soo very nice!~
ReplyDeleteI love the contrast of light and shade in the first photo! Very nice shots. Happy Hunting. My Ruined
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photos. They're wonderful. Re that last photo: I think I spy that "pie chart" lake/place that you've blogged about before... :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a stunning location, wonder why it was not occupied again but definitely on my list of places to see.
ReplyDelete@JC, yes, a great feeling of power from such a height!
ReplyDelete@Pat, thanks, glad you like them.
@Yen, yes it's nice and worth a visit.
@CWM Many thnks :)
@YTSL, yes, you're right, the pie chart it is!
Beautiful. What a view you had. I always wonder what a place like this looked like before it fell in *ruin* and why it fell to ruin.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post and beautiful photographs for the theme. I hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove the strategical view and your shots. A wonderful place!
ReplyDelete@Patsy, good points. There was no reconstruction in the museum on site, but excavation is continuing. They say it fell to ruin because once the Romans became established in the area, they preferred to live on the plains.
ReplyDelete@Carver and Mar, thanks to you both.
Really amazing photos. The area is so picturesque, even the ruins!
ReplyDeleteI did Photo Hunt today, too. I hope you get a chance to visit and leave your link!
http://newyorktraveler.net/photo-hunters-ruined/
Have a great weekend!
I love old ruins and your pictures are great. I especially like the second shot. This looks like a great place to explore.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. I just love visitng old ruins. Such history!
ReplyDeleteCome visit me sometimes at Losing Myself
The views must be amazing and how wonderful to have photos and memories of history. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteIts a long time since I was in France and I've never been there - thanks for taking us with - wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great end to your week and if you have the time, your welcome over to celebrate with me :-)
Great post and photographs for ruin(ed). Thanks for you visit to Snap2
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful shots. It must have a rich history.
ReplyDeleteyeah, I agree...the view is superb! very nice post for the theme:)
ReplyDeleteI love this! Pre -Roman ruins are wonderful, and the views are astounding.
ReplyDeleteRuins always make me wonder about people who lived in this place! Maybe weird however that's how I see them in any country!
ReplyDelete