bmv_227954 - MEAUX (MELDIS CIVITAS) Bronze à la croix gammée

MEAUX (MELDIS CIVITAS)

(7th - 8th centuries)

The ancient city of Meaux is well attested, with a large number of public buildings, such as a forum, theatre, amphitheater, thermal baths, as well as a suburban religious complex at a place called La Bauve (fanum and amphitheater). In 2009, a major section of an underground aqueduct that supplied the city was trodden. Under the Lower Empire, due to growing political instability and the threat of invasions, a fortified enclosure was built in the southern part of the city (remains of boulevard Jean Rose). Christianity was preached among the Meldes from the 3rd century by Saint Denis. His successor, Saint Saintin, would be the first bishop of Meaux. The wealth of the city and Charles II the Bald's failure to pay an indemnity to the Vikings at the fortress of Oissel caused them to occupy the city, notably in 852 and 886. Two councils were held in Meaux about the attitude to adopt towards these taxes. Meaux was from the tenth century the possession of the counts of Champagne who were also called counts of Meaux; she returned to the crown under Louis X. Sources: Wikipedia.