The Written Stone

This monumental inscription, dated to the 5th century, tells the story of the retirement of one of the last dignitaries of the Roman Empire, Claudius Postumus Dardanus.

The Written Stone is a site of great heritage richness. It bears witness to a turbulent era (collapse of the Empire, progress of Catholicism, invasions, etc.), to a history of Humankind, but also to the qualities of a territory that, throughout time, has invited contemplation and meditation.
Around 1600 years ago, Dardanus, prefect of the Gauls' praetorium, watched helplessly as the Empire collapsed and chose the site of Chardavon to retreat to, in the heart of a natural amphitheater. He had the mountainside carved out and created a city he named Theopolis, in reference to Saint Augustine's City of God, with whom he also maintained a correspondence. Indeed, Dardanus had recently converted to Catholicism.
While the existence of Dardanus is well attested, there is no trace of Theopolis, except for this mysterious written stone which seems to defy time.