Saint-Jean-de-Sauves

The commune is situated in the small valley of the Prepson, a local tributary of the Dive. Created during the French Revolution, it is an important commune with its shops, services and college. However, the area was already occupied by a Gallo-Roman population in ancient times. In 1987, archaeological digs uncovered a Roman theatre, baths and other buildings. The results of these excavations are on display in the town’s “archaeological museum”, where a number of objects are on show. Among the treasures found in the vicus are a fine piece of gold jewellery (Musée de Ste-Croix de Poitiers), fibulae, pottery and coins. The ancient roofs here feature three distinct materials: slate, plain tile and Roman tile. The latter being the true traditional roofing of Poitou.