Gesoriacum

About

Gesoriacum is the ancient name of the present town of Boulogne-sur-Mer which would have taken the name of Bononia in the third century. Gesoriacum reportedly designated the lower town of Boulogne and Bononia the upper city. This distinction is contested by some.

Julius Caesar in The War of Gauls, named Portus Itius the place of embarkation of his army on the galleys launched towards the coasts of Kent to the assault of Brittany. Some historians such as Camille Jullian, in his History of Gaul, identify Portus Iti as the current Lower Town of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Others believe that this Portus Itius could be a beach today buried twelve miles north of Boulogne, on the current Wissant site.

The major changes in the North Sea coastline in this area (rearing) covered Gallo-Roman port sites. Still others, such as Guy Lipoppe, relying on Albert Grisart's careful research, identify Portus Itius on Cap Blanc-Nez. But for lack of an unquestionable archaeological discovery, the location of Portus Itius is always discussed.