Augustodunum

About

Augustodunum is the Latinized Celtic name of the ancient city of Autun, formed by Augusto and dunum. The great city appears around 16-13 B.C., founded by Emperor Augustus on the edge of the Atuvaros (Arroux) and on the major axis of the Eduans which connects Bibracte to Cavillonum. Rome seeks to assert its power and wants to overshadow the oppidum of Bibracte.

As the capital of the city, the city becomes an administrative, economic, political and intellectual centre, a relay of Roman power, the capital of the Eduans. No city in the province of Gaule Lyonnaise, apart from Lugdunum (Lyon), can compare itself with Augustodunum, who is adorned with the title "sororor and aemula Romae", (sister and emulation of Rome). She may have been elevated to colony status under Auguste, then again honored under Claude, obtaining the name Colonia Iulia Polla Florentia Augustodunum.

The population of Bibracte moves there. Around the Law and Letters schools, notables encourage the development of quality education. The study of geography and history plays an important role in this.

"all the noblest youth of Gauls" gathered there said Tacite. Its Men's schools are renowned and are a...