Caesarodunum

About

Caesarodunum is the name of the city of the High Empire that preceded Tours, in the alluvial plain separating the Loire from Cher. Caesarodunum, a probable Roman foundation from the turn of our era, has undergone significant development from the first century until the end of the second century. The archaeological evidence of this period, although rare, leaves no doubt in this respect: a colossal temple and a colossal amphitheatre, an aqueduct fed by a noria drawing water from the Loire, a second aqueduct of a length of about 25 km, at least two public thermal establishments, an old frame (a network formed by all traffic routes, although very fragmented), a wooden bridge on the Loire and remains of several habitats are discovered on an area of more than 60 hectares. In the first half of the fourth century, like many other cities of the Roman Gaul, the city tightened in and around a fortified enclosure; its name gradually evolves towards Civitas Turonorum of the name of its people of origin, when it is elevated to the rank of capital of the Third Lyonnaise, through an administrative reorganization of the Roman Empire around 360 or a little later...