Putlock or putlog holes for scaffolding left from centuries of repairs under the donkey back arch of the 1st century AD Roman bridge spanning the Ouvèze river at Vaison-la-Romaine in the Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. The bridge has survived wars, invasions, erosion and being hit by a wall of water in 1992 during disastrous floods that destroyed more recent bridges.
Vaison-la-Romaine, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France: rows of putlog or putlock holes for scaffolding poles are visible under the donkey back arch of the 1st century AD Roman bridge spanning the Ouvèze river, together with larger and deeper incisions in its foundations. The holes are evidence of building and repair work needed to maintain the bridge. It had to be partly rebuilt after it was hit by a wall of floodwater in September 1992, although unlike more recent bridges that were swept away, the Roman arch survived. The bridge was built where the river narrows, connecting the ancient Gallo-Roman settlement on the north bank with the medieval upper town to the south. The Romans designed it to last, with its squared limestone blocks joined by ironwork, and its piers anchored to the sides of the gorge. The arch spans metres (56 ft) and bears a roadway 9m (30 ft) wide. The site of Vaison-la-Romaine was once the capital of the Celtic Vocontii tribe, whose fortified settlement stood on the north bank. Under Roman rule, the Vocontii retained some autonomy, but their town, Vasio Julia Vocontiorum, became increasingly Romanised. Apart from the bridge, they also built public monuments such as aqueducts, thermal baths and a theatre. The city thrived, growing to cover about 75 hectares, and was among the richest settlements in the Roman province covering modern Provence and Languedoc, with many mosaic pavements in its finer houses. The era of peace and prosperity ended in 276 AD when the city was burned and pillaged by barbarian invaders. It never recovered, although after the Roman Empire fell, it became an important Christian centre. On the north bank, extensive Roman remains are now open to visitors in two areas, La Villasse and Puymin.
Size: 2832px × 4256px
Location: Vaison-la-Romaine, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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