Arles is an ancient Roman city known and recognised for its archaeological wealth and appreciated for its many remains throughout the city.

Arles-Rhône 3: an archaeological treasure revealed

Founded in 49 BC by Julius Caesar, Arles is famous for its ancient theatre and arena, which is still used for numerous events and shows.

For more than 20 years, with the first excavations in the depths of the Rhône River, archaeologists have been gradually uncovering new treasures buried for more than 2,000 years: amphorae, ceramics, statues including the bust of Caesar, but also a major and unexpected surprise.

The waters of the Rhône, rich in history, have revealed one of their most fascinating secrets: the Roman barge Arles-Rhône 3.

Discovered in 2004 near Arles, this trading ship dating from the 1st century AD has provided a better understanding of Roman river activity. Here’s a look back at an operation that combined archaeological excavation, meticulous recovery and exemplary restoration.

In 2011, this Roman barge, an extremely well-preserved ancient wreck, was extracted from the Rhône, where excavations are still continuing today.

An exceptional underwater excavation site

The discovery of the barge Arles-Rhône 3 was the result of systematic archaeological research carried out in the bed of the Rhône. Identified at a depth of around six metres, the wreck quickly attracted the attention of experts because of its remarkable state of preservation. Its wooden structure, over thirty metres long, was almost intact, a rare occurrence for an object that had been submerged for almost two millennia.

The excavations, carried out by a specialist team, used advanced technologies such as photogrammetry and three-dimensional surveying. These techniques made it possible to document the precise position of the boat and the objects surrounding it, including amphorae, tools and the remains of cargo. The difficult conditions associated with the river’s currents and reduced visibility did not prevent the team from carrying out highly accurate work.

Raising a water giant

Getting a boat of this size out of the riverbed was a major logistical challenge. After several feasibility studies, a strategy of cutting the boat into sections was adopted to limit the risk of fragmentation. Each section was carefully lifted using cables and winches, then stabilised before being transported.

This process, spread over several months, required rigorous coordination. Fluctuating water levels and the vagaries of the weather complicated the operations, but the expertise of the teams enabled the integrity of the fragments to be preserved. The recovery was a technical feat that laid the foundations for similar operations at other underwater sites.

Meticulous restoration for an exceptional showcase

Once out of the water, the parts of the barge were subjected to conservation treatments to prevent their deterioration. The waterlogged wood was first frozen, then slowly dried using freeze-drying processes. This technique, combined with the application of consolidating products, stabilised the structure.

Once restored, the barge was partially reconstructed and incorporated into a permanent exhibition at the Musée Départemental Arles Antique. The installation, which combines a physical display with multimedia devices, offers an immersion into the daily life of Roman boatmen. The project also highlights the importance of the Rhône as a major trading route in the Roman Empire.

A major contribution to history and heritage

The Arles-Rhône 3 operation is much more than a technical success: it marks a key stage in the study of ancient river trade.

Thanks to this discovery, researchers have new data on economic exchanges and navigation in Roman Gaul. For the general public, it is an invitation to explore an exceptional heritage, bearing witness to the profound links between history and the waters of the Rhône.

Arles Rhône 3, the documentary

A series of 22 episodes and a video documentary are available to tell the unique story of his aquatic digs in the meanders of the River Rhône.

The epic story of the recovery of the archaeological remains and the Roman barge on video by the departmental museum:

Arles, the sunken treasure

The sunken treasures of the Rhône, presentation of the programme Les racines et des ailes:

Digging in the murky waters of the river, archaeologists first discovered hundreds of perfectly preserved amphorae and ceramics, then statues buried in the mud for 2000 years, including the famous bust of Julius Caesar.

In 2011, archaeologists extracted from the river what is undoubtedly the best-preserved ancient shipwreck in the world, and these exceptional excavations are still continuing today.

• The full show in French:

In connection with the Rhône river

• Arles, location and practical links
• Underwater excavations at the departmental museum
• Roman monuments in Arles, wikipedia

• Map of the Rhône river
• Weather along the Rhône
• Taking the train in Switzerland and France
• Where to sleep in the Rhône valley?
• River tourism map (Rhône)
• Towns along the river
• The Viarhôna, the green bike route along the Rhône river