Le chef-lieu de la cité des Vellaves et les origines du siège épiscopal du Velay
Françoise Prévot
In the absence of fresh discoveries, this article summarizes what is known at present and outlines remaining problems: was capital Vellaves? Where when were first bishops installed? Was episcopal see transferred from Saint-Paulien to Le Puy as tradition says? Ruessium, Vellaves in High Empire according Ptolemy, should be identified with Saint-Paulien; despite its administrative importance, city (a rival Puy, an ancient settlement where there a sanctuary Celtic origin) did not undergo truly monumental development. lost status between end 3rd beginning 10th century, but it difficult know exactly when. Archaeological research shows decline neither fortification walls nor Christian traces have been found there. By contrast, seems fortified Late Empire. Christianity attested 5th century latest (sarcophagus Roman-Aries type) discovered vestiges pre-Carolingian structure site pagan sanctuary. The historically bishop Aurelius, who resided 591. There no record pontiff holding his even idea that may one late: indeed, epigraphic liturgical documents suggest Carolingian period, cult formed honor founding saints Vellave Church (Evodius, Scutarius, etc.), believed they had held their Puy. Apparently before claimed received missionary Velay, George, companion Saint Front Perigueux. It well ever probably Empire, thus became region seat. As hypothesis, assign Saint-Paulien's eclipse contemporary Javols among Gabales. [Auteur. Trad. D. Parrish]
Antiquité tardive