Attraction Guide: Musée de Millau et de la Graufesenque, Millau, France

Musée de Millau et de la Graufesenque Guide

Unearth the Past: Discover Roman History at the Musée de Millau et de la Graufesenque Guide

The Musée de Millau et de la Graufesenque is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Roman past of Millau and the surrounding region. The museum's collection focuses on the archaeological site of La Graufesenque, a major Roman pottery production center that flourished from the 1st to the 3rd centuries AD. Discover the remarkable craftsmanship and industrial scale of this ancient pottery industry. La Graufesenque was one of the most important centers for the production of terra sigillata, a high-quality red-gloss pottery that was widely exported throughout the Roman Empire. The site's strategic location, with access to clay, water, and transportation routes, contributed to its success. The museum showcases a vast collection of pottery fragments, molds, tools, and other artifacts unearthed at La Graufesenque, providing insights into the daily lives of the artisans and the organization of the pottery workshops. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which are organized thematically to illustrate different aspects of Roman life and the pottery industry. Learn about the techniques used to produce terra sigillata, the different types of pottery produced, and the trade networks that distributed these goods across the Roman world. The museum also features interactive displays and multimedia presentations to enhance the visitor experience. While not directly related to the Roman era, the museum also touches upon the history of glove-making in Millau, another important local industry.