The article discusses the finding by archeologists of an array of objects of historical interest in a variety of sites scattered around the southern bank of the old-port of the southern French city of Marseilles, with particular focus given to findings on the site of the Saint-Victor church, as well as to the role played by prominent local historical and archeologist Jean Guyon. Additional names are mentioned, including those of Charles Lenthéric, Edouard Rouby, and Eugène Duprat, and topics discussed include the nature of archeological excavations in the city, local history in late antiquity and beyond, and at a broader level, the history of civilization in the southern region of Provence in general, and in the port-city of Marseilles in particular.