# Artigat

> commune in Ariège, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1020584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1020584)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artigat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/artigat

## Summary

Artigat is a commune in the Ariège department of southern France, located in the historical region of Occitanie. The settlement is notably associated with the famous 16th-century identity theft case known as the "Case of Martin Guerre," which took place in the region and became one of the most famous legal proceedings in French history.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Artigat, Ariège, Occitanie, France
- **Coordinates**: 43.135833333333°N, 1.4397222222222°E
- **Administrative affiliation**: Part of the canton of Le Fossat (until March 2015)
- **Arrondissement**: Saint-Girons (primary), also related to Pamiers
- **Department**: Ariège
- **Country**: France
- **Website**: https://www.artigat.fr
- **Wikipedia title**: Artigat
- **Wikidata description**: commune in Ariège, France
- **Sitelink count**: 41
- **Population**: Historical data points include 573, 566, 579, 564, 563, 470, 460, 367, 416, 516, 514, 579, 562, 560, 558, 555, and 574
- **Related historical case**: Case of Martin Guerre (circa 1560) - court case of identity theft
- **Commune type**: France territorial subdivision for municipalities (established +1789)

## FAQs

**What is Artigat known for?**

Artigat is a small French commune in Ariège that gained historical significance due to the Case of Martin Guerre, a famous 16th-century court case involving identity theft that became a landmark in French legal history.

**Which administrative regions is Artigat part of?**

Artigat is located in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of southern France. It belongs to the canton of Le Fossat (until 2015) and the arrondissement of Saint-Girons, with administrative ties also to the arrondissement of Pamiers.

**What is the Case of Martin Guerre?**

The Case of Martin Guerre is a famous French court case from approximately 1560 involving a man named Arnaud du Tilh who impersonated Martin Guerre, a resident of the region, and lived with Martin Guerre's wife and children for years before being discovered. The case became one of the most famous legal proceedings in French history and has been studied extensively for its implications on identity, law, and society.

**What is the population of Artigat?**

Artigat has historically had a small population, with recorded figures including 574, 555, 558, 560, 562, 579, 514, 516, 416, 367, 460, 470, 563, 564, 579, 566, and 573 residents across various census periods.

**What are the geographical coordinates of Artigat?**

Artigat is located at approximately 43.135833333333 degrees north latitude and 1.4397222222222 degrees east longitude.

## Why It Matters

Artigat matters primarily due to its connection to one of the most significant legal cases in French history. The Case of Martin Guerre, which occurred in the region during the 16th century, represents a foundational moment in the development of French jurisprudence regarding identity verification and criminal law. This case has been studied by legal scholars, historians, and sociologists for centuries, making Artigat a location of enduring historical importance beyond its small population size.

The commune also represents the characteristic rural, mountainous nature of the Ariège department in southern France, an area known for its preserved medieval heritage, Cathar history, and Pyrenean landscapes. As part of the Occitanie region, Artigat contributes to understanding the administrative and cultural structure of rural France.

Furthermore, the commune's website (https://www.artigat.fr) indicates ongoing local governance and community presence, demonstrating the continued vitality of small rural communes that form the backbone of French territorial organization.

## Notable For

- **Historical Legal Significance**: Connection to the Case of Martin Guerre (circa 1560), one of France's most famous court cases involving identity theft
- **Geographic Location**: Situated in the Pyrenean foothills of southern France in the Ariège department
- **Administrative Structure**: Part of the traditional French commune system established in 1789
- **Regional Identity**: Located in the canton of Le Fossat until administrative reorganization in March 2015

## Body

### Geography and Location

Artigat is situated in the Ariège department of the Occitanie region in southern France, approximately 43.135833333333 degrees north latitude and 1.4397222222222 degrees east longitude. The commune lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, a region characterized by its rugged terrain, medieval villages, and rich historical heritage. Ariège is known for its relatively sparse population and preserved natural landscapes, making it representative of rural mountainous France.

### Administrative History

Artigat operates as a commune of France, which is a territorial subdivision for municipalities established during the French Revolution in 1789. The commune was part of the canton of Le Fossat until March 2015, when French administrative boundaries were reorganized. Administratively, Artigat falls within the arrondissement of Saint-Girons, though it maintains connections to the arrondissement of Pamiers as well. The commune is located in the Ariège department (Wikidata ), which is one of the 96 metropolitan departments of France.

### Historical Significance: The Case of Martin Guerre

The most notable historical association of Artigat is its connection to the Case of Martin Guerre, a famous court case of identity theft that occurred circa 1560. This case involved Arnaud du Tilh, who impersonated Martin Guerre, a resident of the Artigat region, and successfully deceived Martin Guerre's wife, Bertrande de Rols, and the local community for several years. The impostor lived with Bertrande and their children, managed the household, and integrated into village life before the real Martin Guerre returned from war and the deception was uncovered.

The subsequent trial became a major legal proceeding in 16th-century France and is considered one of the earliest documented cases of identity theft with significant legal ramifications. The case explored themes of identity, memory, marriage, and deception, and has been the subject of extensive historical analysis, legal scholarship, and literary works. The Case of Martin Guerre remains a reference point in discussions about forensic evidence, witness testimony, and the verification of identity in legal proceedings.

### Demographics and Population

Artigat, like many rural communes in the mountainous regions of southern France, has maintained a relatively small population throughout its history. The recorded population figures across various census periods include 574, 555, 558, 560, 562, 579, 514, 516, 416, 367, 460, 470, 563, 564, 579, 566, and 573 residents. These figures reflect the typical population dynamics of rural French communes, which have experienced fluctuations due to urbanization trends that have seen younger residents move to larger cities while maintaining connections to their ancestral hometowns.

### Local Governance and Infrastructure

Artigat maintains an official municipal website at https://www.artigat.fr, indicating active local governance and community engagement. The commune operates within the framework of French municipal administration, with a mayor and municipal council responsible for local services, infrastructure, and community affairs. As part of the French departmental system, Artigat residents participate in departmental elections and access services provided by the Ariège departmental council.

### Cultural and Regional Context

The commune exists within the broader cultural context of the Occitanie region, which encompasses southern France from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees. This region is known for its distinct linguistic heritage (Occitan language), medieval Cathar history, and traditional agricultural practices. Artigat contributes to the regional identity through its historical legacy and its role as a small rural community in the Pyrenean foothills.

The department of Ariège specifically is recognized for its commitment to preserving natural environments, with significant portions of its territory designated as protected areas. The region attracts visitors interested in hiking, medieval history, and the distinctive culture of the French Pyrenees.

### Relationship to Administrative Entities

Artigat maintains administrative relationships with several higher-level governmental structures:

- **Country**: France, a semi-presidential republic and founding member of the European Union
- **Department**: Ariège, one of France's 96 metropolitan departments
- **Arrondissement**: Saint-Girons (primary administrative division) and Pamiers (secondary connection)
- **Canton**: Le Fossat (until March 2015 administrative reorganization)
- **Region**: Occitanie, the large southwestern region of France

These administrative relationships determine voting rights, access to government services, judicial jurisdiction, and educational assignments for residents of Artigat.

### Historical Context of French Communes

As a French commune established in 1789, Artigat represents one of the fundamental units of French territorial organization. The commune system was created during the French Revolution as a means of dividing the territory into manageable administrative units replacing the previous feudal system. Each commune operates with a degree of autonomy in local matters while remaining integrated into the national administrative hierarchy through departments and regions. This system allows for both local self-governance and national coordination, a hallmark of French administrative organization that has influenced governance models worldwide.

## References

1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
2. INSEE code
3. répertoire géographique des communes
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Annuaire de service-public.fr
6. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
7. Populations légales 2016
8. Populations légales 2017
9. Populations légales 2018
10. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
11. Populations légales 2019
12. Populations légales 2020
13. Populations légales 2021
14. Populations de référence 2022
15. Populations de référence 2023
16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
18. GeoNames
19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
20. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
21. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)