RIDE TO THE GALLO-ROMAN SITE IN THE CENTER OF FRANCE

Story and Photos by ITN European Reporter Herve’ Rebollo.

 

Salut à vous riders from all over the world.

On this sunny Wednesday morning in May, it was time to hit the nice French road again for another beautiful journey and to reveal to the whole world an incredible historical fact that is completely unknown.

What an ambition !!

For years, we all believed that the oldest Harley-Davison dealership worldwide was, since 1914, DUDLEY PERKINS in Frisco … but reality is totally other.

Today, it is my duty to reveal the historical truth to the world, I can no longer keep this secret. And for this, I am heading to the official center of France.

Yes, all the objective evidences in the great history of the MoCo prove that the first ever Harley Davidson dealership has been inaugurated at the end of the 2nd century BC, when a part of the current territory of France was annexed by the Roman Republic.

Of course, I have in my possession all the historical evidence of this hidden part of the great History of the Moco.

First stage: direction to center France, right at the place where an old column of stone proudly revendicate the official tittle of center of France in the (very) little village of BUERE-ALLICHANT. But, to be honest (and because we French like disputes so much), the question of the center is contested (taking into account different calculation methods), several municipalities each have a commemorative monument. It doesn’t really matter, in any case, it permitted me to take some interesting photos.

And now, it is time to reveal to the world the evidence I have secretly possessed for years. I have in my possession an incredible original photo showing the inauguration of the very first Harley Davidson dealership by the Roman Legion in the history of humanity. And it was in France, in the center, at the end of the 2nd century BC. Yes, sir!

In these barbaric times, the competition was very tough between motorcycle brands. Be careful when looking at this second original photo, sensitive souls may be shocked by the violence that the salespeople of the time could display.

So, it was time to join this Gallo-Roman site I wanted to see. Not very far from Buère-Allichant, 10 kilometers in direction of the south, the (very, very) little village of DREVANT.

The ancient site of Drevant in the territory of the commune of Drevant in the department of Cher, includes several constructions dating from the 1st to the 3rd century, notably a well-preserved theater, a sanctuary, two thermal establishments …

…as well as residential areas that belonged to a secondary Gallo-Roman agglomeration linked to navigation on the Cher and a secondary land route running along the river.

The remains of this site were classified as historical monuments as early as 1840.

The term “Gallo-Roman amphitheater” or “rural theater” is used to refer to performance buildings often located outside major cities, combining characteristics of both an amphitheater (elliptical or circular arena) and a theater (incomplete cavea and reduced stage building).

The monument of Drevant falls into this category.

Open to the southwest, its cavea with a diameter of 85 m is backed by the slope that descends towards the Cher River. Shaped like a bow, it is supported at its ends by buttresses and served by radiating and circular corridors. The circular arena, 27 m in diameter, is bordered on the cavea side by a podium wall 2.60 m high, providing access to three service rooms under the stands.

A stage building limits the arena opposite the stands.Its dimensions are comparable to those of the theater of Sanxay, which could probably accommodate more than 6,000 people. It was, at least initially, used for circus performances. This hypothesis is reinforced by the height of the podium wall surrounding the arena, which helps protect the spectators.

In the Middle Ages, the site, abandoned, served as a stone quarry. The recovery of materials continued during the construction of barracks to house condemned soldiers assigned to dig the Berry Canal between 1823 and 1826.

But, which is pleasant surprise, it is that beyond this Gallo-Roman site, all the rest of this little village is absolutely charming.

A typical sample of the French way of life in our heartlands.

At least, a must see if you come in this region. 

Strangely, I have seen no trace of that first Harley Davidson concession in the history of humanity that I mentioned above. Luckily, I have these two original photos, otherwise people wouldn’t consider me a serious biker.

So, next time you want to improve your historical knowledge of your favorite motorcycle brand (HD), come to me, I’ll take you to this magnificent site.

See ya soon on the road, who know?!?

Hervé, your French biker friend

Thank you to the great master Franck Frazetta, who allowed me to play with his masterpieces to produce my undeniable proofs.