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Pondicherry Hot Spots


orbar Arekamedu

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It is about 4kms from Pondicherry town. Recent excavations at some sites in Arekamedu have unearthed Roman coins, wine jars, etc establishing it to be the earliest Indo-Roman trading centre (around 2nd century AD). Further evidence points to a Buddhist stronghold. This place is assumed to be the place of Roman placements nearly 2000 years ago. Remains of a French Jesuit Mission House assumed to be built in 18th century are also visible here.

According to Wheeler, Arikamedu was a Tamil fishing village which was formerly a major Chola port dedicated to bead making and trading with Roman traders. It flourished for centuries until the Romans left.