Britannica Sources used in this answer

What ancient ruins were found during construction near Marseille’s Bourse in 1967?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

During construction operations behind the Bourse in 1967, workers uncovered a significant section of the Hellenistic ramparts of Massalia, the ancient Greek name for Marseille.

Archaeological excavations of the site, which dates back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, revealed the following structures:

  • Defensive fortifications: Various walls and towers belonging to the ancient ramparts.
  • Infrastructure: Three distinct sections of a Roman road.
  • Maritime features: The remains of the ancient port were also identified during the excavation process.1