The archaeological site of Eysses Tower wasn't discovered until the 1970s, during the construction of a hospital and a fire station. After the first excavations in the 1980s, archaeologists returned with their shovels and trowels between 2012 and 2016 to study the site again. They discovered not only the remains of a Benedictine basilica of impressive proportions (60m long, 15m wide and 18m high), but also ceramics of a rather erotic nature that the Romans, who were very superstitious, used as lucky charms. Erect phalluses carved onto dishes and building façades, images of lascivious dancers... all were supposed to bring protection and prosperity upon the house. Far from innocent eyes, placed up high up, Eysses reveals its naughty decorations, of which there are far fewer than in Pompeii. All the important pieces are on exhibit in the old presbytery of the church of Saint-Sernin. Just a little shocking, wouldn't you say?
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