Alba-la-Romaine Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Alba-la-Romaine

Coat of arms

Alba-la-Romaine

Location in France

Alba-la-Romaine

Location in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Country

Viviers

Area

30.46 km² (11.76 sq mi)

Population

(1999)

1,135

• Density

37.262/km² (96.51/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

07005 /07400

Elevation

135–554 m (443–1,818 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Alba-la-Romaine is a charming village in the Ardèche department of southern France. It is famous for its amazing Roman history and ancient ruins. The village sits in a beautiful area, surrounded by nature and hills.

Its name, "la-Romaine," was added in 1992 to celebrate its rich Roman past. This small commune offers a unique look into what life was like thousands of years ago.

A Glimpse into Roman History
- The Ancient City of Alba Augusta Helviorum
  - What Made Alba Important?
  - Discovering Roman Ruins Today
The Modern Village of Alba-la-Romaine
- Life in Alba Today
  - Local Culture and Traditions
Geography and Natural Beauty
- The Ardèche Region
  - Exploring the Surroundings
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A Glimpse into Roman History

Alba-la-Romaine was once a very important Roman city. It was known as Alba Augusta Helviorum. This city was the capital of a local tribe called the Helvii. The Romans built it up, making it a busy center for trade and government.

The Ancient City of Alba Augusta Helviorum

The Roman city of Alba Augusta Helviorum was founded around 20 BC. It grew to be a large and important city in the region. People came from all over to trade and live there.

What Made Alba Important?

Alba Augusta Helviorum was important for several reasons. It was a key point on Roman roads, connecting different parts of the empire. It also had fertile land around it, which was good for farming. This helped the city to grow and become wealthy.

Discovering Roman Ruins Today

Today, you can visit the impressive ruins of the Roman city. These ruins include a large theatre, a forum, and parts of houses. Walking through these ruins feels like stepping back in time.

The theatre could hold thousands of people. It was used for plays and public gatherings.
The forum was the main public square. It was where people met, traded, and discussed important matters.
Archaeologists are still working at the site. They continue to uncover new parts of the ancient city.

The Modern Village of Alba-la-Romaine

The modern village of Alba-la-Romaine is built around a medieval castle. This castle stands on a volcanic rock. The village has kept its old-world charm with narrow streets and stone houses.

Life in Alba Today

Life in Alba-la-Romaine is peaceful. The village is surrounded by vineyards and fields. Many people visit to see the Roman ruins and enjoy the quiet countryside.

Local Culture and Traditions

The people of Alba-la-Romaine are proud of their history. They often hold events that celebrate their Roman past. These events help to keep the ancient stories alive for everyone.

Local markets sell fresh produce and crafts.
There are small shops and restaurants.
The area is great for hiking and exploring nature.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Alba-la-Romaine is located in the southern part of the Ardèche department. The landscape around the village is very diverse. You can find volcanic hills, green valleys, and rivers.

The Ardèche Region

The Ardèche region is known for its stunning natural beauty. It has deep gorges, famous caves, and clear rivers. Alba-la-Romaine is a good base for exploring this beautiful area.