Lapurdum

Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography

LAPURDUM in Gallia. This place is only mentioned in the Notitia of the Empire, which fixes it in Novempopulana; but there is neither any historical notice nor any Itinerary measurement to determine its position. D'Anville, who assumes it to be represented by Bayonne, on the river Adour, says that the name of Bayonnesucceeded to that of Lapurdum, and the country contained between the Adourand the Bidasoahas retained the name of Labourd. It is said that the bishopric of Bayonneis not mentioned before the tenth century. The name Bayonneis Basque, and means port.It seems probable that Lapurdum may have been on the site of Bayonne;but it is not certain.
[G.L]