Autun
Autun, originally founded as Augustodunum by Emperor Augustus, served as the Roman capital for the Gallic Aedui people. It boasts significant Roman architectural remains, including gates and a theatre, and later became known for its schools of rhetoric. The city's historical importance continued through the medieval period, highlighted by the construction of the Romanesque Autun Cathedral, renowned for its sculptural program.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as Augustodunum by Emperor Augustus during the Principate era.
- ›Served as the Roman capital for the Gallic Aedui, replacing Bibracte.
- ›Contains notable Roman ruins such as two ancient gates (Porte Saint-André and Porte D'Arroux) and a large ancient theatre.
- ›Autun Cathedral (Saint Lazare Cathedral) is a significant example of Romanesque architecture, famous for its sculpted tympanum and capitals attributed to Gislebertus.
- ›The city was a site of several historical battles and raids, including those involving the Alemanni, Merovingian kings, and Umayyad forces.
- ›The mineral autunite was first discovered near Autun and named after the town.
Roman, Romanesque
Roman Gates, Roman Theatre Ruins, Temple of Janus Ruins, Pierre De Couhard, Autun Cathedral, MuséE Rolin, LycéE Militaire D'Autun
Augustodunum
Augustus, Leodegar, Childebert I, Chlothar I, Anbasa Ibn Suhaym Al-Kalbi, Richard, Count of Autun, BarthéLemy De Chasseneuz, Charles Maurice De Talleyrand-PéRigord, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Gislebertus, Saint Regina of Autun, Nivelon I, Auda, Thierry Iv, Bernard Plantapilosa, Bernard of Gothia, Louis the Younger, Theodoric, Honorius Augustodunensis, Nicolas Rolin, Jan Van Eyck
- Founding As Augustodunum
- Siege of Autun
- Battle of Autun
- Battle Near Autun
- Second Council of Autun
- Umayyad Raid and Sack of Autun
- Establishment of the Duchy of Burgundy
- Defense of Rats By BarthéLemy De Chasseneuz
- Charles Maurice De Talleyrand-PéRigord Becomes Bishop
- Role In the Franco-Prussian War
- Liberation of Autun In World War Ii
About Autun
Autun, historically known as Augustodunum, is a significant city in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of central-eastern France, located in the Saône-et-Loire department. Its origins trace back to the early Roman Empire when it was founded by Emperor Augustus as the Roman capital for the Gallic Aedui people, replacing their former center at Bibracte. At its zenith in Roman times, Augustodunum may have housed between 30,000 and 100,000 inhabitants, making it a substantial urban center.
Roman Heritage
The city retains a rich legacy of its Roman past, with visible remnants of its ancient infrastructure. These include two imposing Roman gates, Porte Saint-André and Porte d'Arroux, and the substantial ruins of a vast Roman theatre that was one of the largest in the western part of the empire. The enigmatic Pierre de Couhard, a stone pyramid of uncertain purpose, also dates from this era. In late antiquity, Autun was recognized for its schools of rhetoric, contributing to its intellectual standing.
Medieval and Religious Significance
Autun's importance continued through the medieval period. The city was the site of significant battles and political shifts, including its incorporation into the Duchy of Burgundy. A crowning jewel of its medieval heritage is the Autun Cathedral, also known as Saint Lazare Cathedral. Dating from the early twelfth century, it stands as a masterwork of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral is particularly celebrated for its exceptional sculptural program, notably the tympanum of The Last Judgment above the west portal and the numerous capitals, many of which bear the signature of the artist Gislebertus, making him one of the few medieval artists whose name is preserved.
Modern History and Legacy
In more recent centuries, Autun played a role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly with the exploitation of oil shale, and the discovery of the uranium mineral autunite, named after the town. It has also been a site of military importance and saw fierce fighting during the liberation in World War II. Today, Autun is a vibrant city that preserves its historical character, attracting visitors with its ancient monuments and the artistic treasures found within its museums, such as the Musée Rolin.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Autun founded and by whom?
Autun was founded during the reign of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, after whom it was named. It was established as Augustodunum during the Principate era of the early Roman Empire.
What are the most significant Roman remains in Autun?
The city preserves two ancient Roman gates, Porte Saint-André and Porte d'Arroux, along with other ruins from the Roman period. The remains of an ancient theatre, once one of the largest in the western Roman Empire, are also a prominent feature.
What is Autun Cathedral known for?
Autun Cathedral, also known as Saint Lazare Cathedral, is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. It is particularly celebrated for its intricate architectural sculpture, especially the tympanum depicting The Last Judgment above the west portal, and the capitals within the nave and choir, often attributed to the medieval artist Gislebertus.
What historical events have occurred in or near Autun?
Autun has a long history marked by significant events. It withstood a siege by the Alemanni saved by Emperor Julian, was captured and sacked by Umayyad forces in 725, and saw battles involving Merovingian kings. The city also experienced heavy fighting during the liberation from German occupation at the end of World War II.
Are there any notable geological or mineralogical discoveries associated with Autun?
Yes, the uranium mineral autunite was first discovered near Autun in 1852 and was named in honor of the town. The area also includes the Permian Autun Basin, which contains the Autunian stratotype.
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