À propos des reliefs figurés du Pont-du-Gard et de l'aqueduc de Fréjus

A re-evaluation of the sculpted reliefs on the Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) and the Fréjus aqueduct challenges the long-standing assumption that they represent signatures of builders or overseers. The study reveals that while the Fréjus relief depicts a high-ranking military officer, the Pont du Gard carving is an unfinished sketch of a left-handed gladiator, debunking earlier interpretations. This conclusion stems from a detailed analysis of iconography and historical context, contrasting these findings with documented cases where legionnaires were involved in aqueduct construction or repair, such as in North Africa.

Janon†, M. (2011). À propos des reliefs figurés du Pont-du-Gard et de l’aqueduc de Fréjus. Revue Archéologique, n° 50(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.3917/arch.102.0309