Pondicherry Hot Spots
Arekamedu
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.