Le palais des papes de Sorgues (Vaucluse) : Première approche archéologique

Abstract

The Papal Palace at Sorgues (vaucluse) : A First Archaeological Approach. This publication gives an account of two diagnoses made in the context of rescue archaeology that took place in April and June 2013 at Sorgues, in the place called “ The Castle”. This name refers to an ancient papal palace constructed by John XXII from 1318 to 1324. Although now forgotten by local lore, it was the first structure built by the popes, long before the one in Avignon. John XXII’s successors turne dit into a summer residence. During the French Revolution, the palace was already described as a ruin and was sold to builders to be used as a carry and subsequently disremembered. The earliest papers on the building date back to the end of the 19th century, when the pontifical archives were made available. In 1997, Valérie Theis’s carried out outstanding academic research first on the Pont-de-Sorgues palace, then on palatial implantation strategies in the Avignon area and the pontifical government of the Comtat Venaissin. The 25 probes undertaken over a surface of about 4,200 square meters, revealed vestiges rela ting to the ancient pontifical residence. Some probes were done in the heart of the palace site and allow us to answer some questions about its organization, especially for the east and south wings. Some structures still visible above ground which belonged to the edifice or its outbuildings have also been observed. Other probes were done to the south of the former palace, in a sector where the outer wall is visible, interspersed with modern building, revealed vestiges of this wall and of a large building identified as the Audience Room, built on the edge of the pontifical wall.