During urban redevelopment in Arles, construction crews stumbled upon the remains of a 2nd-century Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Pax. The most striking feature of the discovery is a largely intact polychrome mosaic floor representing the 'Mosaic of Peace,' which depicts the goddess holding an olive branch surrounded by cornucopias and floral motifs. This is the first dedicated temple to Pax found in the region of ancient Gaul.
The temple's architecture follows a classic prostyle plan with four limestone columns supporting a pediment. Researchers believe the temple was commissioned during a period of prosperity to celebrate regional stability. The vivid reds and yellows of the mosaic have been preserved remarkably well due to a protective layer of sediment. Local authorities are now considering redesigning the urban site to integrate the temple as a protected public heritage park.