The Rich Archaeology of Roman Lugdunum (Modern-Day Lyon)
Lyon, historically recognized as the Roman provincial capital of Gaul (Lugdunum), is situated where the Rhone and Saone Rivers meet. Founded as a Roman colony in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, the city thrived during Augustus's reign, boasting structures such as a forum, aqueducts, and an amphitheater. In 12 BC, Drusus the Elder erected the first altar dedicated to the Roman imperial cult. Notably, Lyon was the birthplace of Emperor Claudius and witnessed the Battle of Lugdunum in AD 197, while Caracalla was born there in AD 187. Key Roman landmarks include the theater, odeon, and the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls, constructed in AD 19. The Lugdunum Museum features artifacts like the Coligny Calendar, and military barracks were uncovered during excavations in 2019.
Key facts
- Lyon was the ancient Roman capital of Gaul, Lugdunum.
- The city was founded as a Roman colony in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus.
- The first imperial cult altar was established in 12 BC by Drusus the Elder.
- Emperor Claudius was born in Lugdunum.
- The Battle of Lugdunum in AD 197 was the largest battle between Roman armies.
- The theater was the first permanent theater in the province, expanded under Hadrian.
- The Amphitheater of the Three Gauls was built in AD 19 by Gaius Julius Rufus.
- The Lyon Tablet records a speech by Claudius to the Senate.
- The sanctuary of Cybele dates to the 2nd century AD.
- The Aqueduc de la Brevenne is one of four aqueducts that supplied water.
- Excavations in 2019 uncovered barracks under the Jardin de la Visitation.
- The Lugdunum Museum houses the Coligny Calendar and the Lyon Cup.
Entities
Artists
- Lucius Munatius Plancus
- Julius Caesar
- Augustus
- Agrippa
- Drusus the Elder
- Germanicus
- Tiberius
- Claudius
- Septimius Severus
- Clodius Albinus
- Caracalla
- Hadrian
- Caligula
- Constantine the Great
- Magnentius
- Gaius Julius Rufus
- Ausonius
- Gratian
- Pliny the Elder
- Strabo
- Suetonius
- Saint Blandina
- Saint Pothinus
Institutions
- Lugdunum Musée & Théâtres romains
- British Museum
- Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Ainay
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- Villa Chiragan
- Wikimedia Commons
Locations
- Lyon
- France
- Rhone River
- Saone River
- Gaul
- Fourviere
- Rome
- Italy
- Alexandria
- Antioch
- Trier
- Mainz
- Nimes
- Arles
- Saintes
- Aquitaine
- Bordeaux
- Toulouse
- Milan
- Carthage
- Constantinople
- Anatolia
- Asia Minor
- Bath
- England
- Jardin de la Visitation
- Amphitheater of the Three Gauls
- Sanctuary of the Three Gauls
- Thermes Antiques de Lyon
- Aqueduc de la Brevenne