Museum of the Roman Docks

The Musée des Docks Romains is a fascinating and unmissable stop for those visiting Marseille and wishing to immerse themselves in the ancient history of the city. Located in the heart of the Vieux-Port, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of the remains of an ancient Roman warehouse, dating back to the 2nd century AD. This archaeological site, discovered by chance during construction work in 1947, represents one of the few examples of Roman warehouses still visible in the world, offering valuable insight into the commercial and maritime life of Marseille during the Roman era. The historical context of the Musée des Docks Romains is deeply connected to the history of Marseille, known in ancient times as Massalia. Founded by the Greeks of Phocaea in 600 BC, the city became an important trading center in the Mediterranean. During the Roman period, Marseille maintained its crucial role in maritime trade, with a thriving port and a network of warehouses for storing goods from all over the ancient world. The museum itself is built around the remains of a Roman warehouse, where numerous dolia were found, large amphorae used to store oil, wine, and other food products. Some of these dolia, some of which are up to 2 meters high, are still visible on site, offering an impressive view of Roman storage techniques and logistical capabilities. The arrangement of the dolia and the structure of the warehouse help to better understand how supplies and commercial activities were organized in the port of Massalia. The exhibition path of the Musée des Docks Romains is designed to guide visitors through the commercial history of Marseille. In addition to the dolia, the museum houses a wide range of archaeological artifacts including amphorae, tools, navigation instruments, and everyday objects. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the daily life of merchants, sailors, and city dwellers during the Roman era. One of the most fascinating objects on display at the museum is an ancient Roman scale, used for weighing goods. This remarkably well-preserved instrument demonstrates the importance of precision and organization in Roman commercial activities. Other artifacts include fragments of mosaics and frescoes that decorated warehouses and homes, offering a glimpse into the art and aesthetics of the time. The museum also features informative panels and multimedia screens that provide historical context and details about the exhibited artifacts. These educational tools help visitors better understand the significance of the findings and their role in the history of Marseille. Additionally, the museum regularly organizes guided tours, educational workshops, and conferences that delve into various aspects of ancient history and archaeology. From an architectural standpoint, the Musée des Docks Romains has been designed to harmoniously integrate with the archaeological site. The exhibition spaces have been created to preserve the ancient remains, allowing visitors to approach the artifacts without damaging them. The combination of modern architecture and ancient remains creates a unique atmosphere that makes visiting the museum an immersive and engaging experience. An interesting anecdote related to the museum concerns its discovery. In 1947, during the construction of a building in the Vieux-Port, workers accidentally came across the remains of the Roman warehouse. The discovery was met with great enthusiasm by archaeologists, who immediately began systematic excavations to bring the artifacts to light. This event marked the beginning of a new era for Marseille archaeology, leading to the creation of the museum and the enhancement of the city’s historical heritage.