Livre


	History of the city as in a book


	The creation of the city of Aigues-Mortes is attributed to Marius Caius, around 102 B.C. According to PAGEZY, it was not until the X° century that a document was discovered showing a region called Ayga Mortas in common language ( or Dead Water) which later became Aigues-Mortes.


		Then in the XII° century, the world turned towards Aigues-Mortes, more precisely in 1240. At this time, Louis IX must leave in crusade with the others sovereigns of Europe to take over Jerusalem. It does not possess a port open to the Mediterranean and the king decides that Aquae Mortuae (Dead Water) will be the French port and therefore the point of departure for his expedition.

		In effect, to the east, the port of Marseille belongs to the emporer Germain and to the west, the baron of Montpellier is ruled by the king of Aragon...

	Stone carving of St Louis' departure for the 7^th crusade photo Beaulieu Printing

Aigues-Mortes is nevertheless not a port since it is located on the shores of an immense lagoon that only communicates with the sea by estuaries. To populate this city encircled by impure ponds, Louis IX grants it particular advantages in the form of a consular charter. To reach the city of Aigues-Mortes by land, a roadway was dug through ponds that will be defended by the "Carbonnière Tower" (still visible today).


	In 1248, Saint Louis embarks for the 7^th crusade from Aigues-Mortes. The city is almost finished and becomes an important economic area for trade with the eastern countries. It is also at this time that Saint-Louis builds the TOWER of CONSTANCE on the ruins of the Matafère Tower (built by Charlemagne) to protect the coast, the port and the city.

In 1270, Saint Louis embarks from Aigues-Mortes for the 8^th crusade which also be his last as he dies not long after of typhus, off the coasts of Tunisia. Afterwards, the Tower of Constance became a very famous prison. Amongst its prisoners, it had Saint Louis' nephew, as well as other well-known people : templars, camisards and bonapartists. It was also known to be a redoubtable fort for protestant women.

		The Tower of Constance in 1999


	This fortress still towers above Aigues-Mortes. Its silence has witnessed many dramas that have taken place there. Many people died demanding to live and think according to their conscience.