Vienne
Vienne, historically known as Vienna during the Roman Empire, is a town in southeastern France with a rich and complex history spanning Roman, Burgundian, Carolingian, and medieval periods. It served as a significant Gallo-Roman urban center and an important early bishopric, famously hosting the Council of Vienne where the Knights Templar were abolished. Today, Vienne is a regional commercial and industrial hub, with its economy significantly boosted by tourism drawn to its well-preserved Roman monuments, museums, and notable Catholic buildings.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a Roman colony around 47 BC under Julius Caesar.
- ›Served as the capital of the Allobroges, a Gallic people, before Roman conquest.
- ›Hosted the Council of Vienne in 1311, which led to the abolition of the Knights Templar.
- ›Boasts significant Roman remains including the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Plan de L'Aiguille.
- ›Was a major center of the Allobroges and later a provincial capital of the Dioecesis Viennensis.
- ›Its archbishops disputed the title of 'Primate of all the Gauls' with Lyon.
Roman, Romanesque, Gothic
Temple of Augustus and Livia, Plan De L'Aiguille, Roman Theatre, Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Saint-Pierre Church, Saint-André En Bas Church, Remains of Roman Aqueducts and Roads
Vienna, VièNa
Julius Caesar, Herod Archelaus, Postumus, Crescens, Verus, Mamertus, Avitus of Vienne, Boso of Provence, Pope Callixtus Ii, Philip Iv of France, Angelo Cato, Pierre Palmier, Michael Servetus, Cardinal FrançOis De Tournon, Matthieu Ory, Baron Des Adrets, Henri De Montmorency, Jean De Bernin
- Conquest By Romans Under Julius Caesar
- Exile of Herod Archelaus
- Proclamation of Postumus As Emperor
- Creation of Regional Dioceses
- Incorporation Into the Kingdom of the Burgundians
- Annexation Into the Merovingian State
- Sacked By Lombards
- Sacked By Moors
- Became Part of Middle Francia
- Became Capital of the Kingdom of Provence
- Incorporated Into the Holy Roman Empire
- Council of Vienne
- Archbishops Gave Up Territorial Powers
- Michael Servetus Arrested and Condemned For Heresy
- Sacked By Protestants
- Held By the Catholic League
- Demolition of Fortifications
- French Revolution
About Vienne
Vienne: A Town Steeped in History
Vienne is a historically significant town in southeastern France, located south of Lyon on the Rhône River. Its strategic position and rich past have shaped its identity from antiquity to the present day. Originally the capital of the Gallic Allobroges, it was transformed into a major Roman center known as Vienna around 47 BC. Under Roman rule, it flourished as a provincial capital and an important hub for communication and trade along the Rhône.
Roman Legacy
The Roman era left an indelible mark on Vienne, with numerous well-preserved monuments still standing. Key among these are the imposing Temple of Augustus and Livia, a testament to imperial grandeur, and the Plan de l'Aiguille, a striking pyramid structure associated with the city's Roman circus. The town also features remains of Roman ramparts, aqueducts, and roads, offering a tangible connection to its ancient past. Vienne's importance during this period is further underlined by its role as a provincial capital and the site where Emperor Postumus was proclaimed in 260 AD.
Christian Significance and Medieval Transformations
Vienne evolved into a crucial early Christian bishopric, with its bishops playing significant roles in the religious and cultural life of Gaul. The city's ecclesiastical importance culminated in hosting the fifteenth Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church, the Council of Vienne, held between 1311 and 1312. This council is historically remembered for its decree abolishing the order of the Knights Templar. Throughout the Middle Ages, Vienne navigated periods under Burgundian, Frankish, and Carolingian rule, eventually becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Provence and later the Kingdom of Burgundy. The archbishops of Vienne wielded significant temporal power until the mid-15th century.
Reformation, Renaissance, and Industrial Eras
The Reformation and Renaissance periods saw Vienne involved in scholarly and religious controversies, most notably with the theologian Michael Servetus, who worked as a physician in the town and whose controversial work was published there in 1553, leading to his condemnation and execution. The town also experienced periods of conflict, including being sacked by Protestants in 1562. The industrial era brought new developments, with the establishment of train stations and the growth of textile and metallurgy industries, leveraging the power of the Gère valley. The former military barracks now serve as a business center, reflecting the town's ongoing adaptation and development.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ancient history of Vienne?
Vienne was originally the oppidum of the Allobroges before becoming a Roman colony around 47 BC. It grew into a major urban center and a provincial capital of the Roman Empire, known then as Vienna. During this period, it saw the exile of Herod Archelaus and the proclamation of Emperor Postumus.
What significant religious events occurred in Vienne?
Vienne was an important early Christian bishopric. Most notably, it hosted the Council of Vienne in 1311-1312, convened by Pope Clement V. This council's principal act was the abolition of the order of the Knights Templar.
What are the most prominent Roman remains in Vienne?
The most outstanding Roman monuments still standing in Vienne are the Temple of Augustus and Livia, a well-preserved peripteral temple from the Early Imperial period, and the Plan de l'Aiguille, a truncated pyramid believed to be part of the Roman circus. Traces of ramparts and aqueducts also exist.
What was the medieval significance of Vienne?
During the Middle Ages, Vienne was part of the Kingdom of Provence and later the Kingdom of Burgundy, becoming strategically important due to its location near the Kingdom of France. The archbishops of Vienne exercised temporal rule over the city until the 15th century.
What historical figures are associated with Vienne?
Notable figures include Herod Archelaus, exiled there by Emperor Augustus; Avitus of Vienne, a poet and bishop; Pope Callixtus II, who was Archbishop of Vienne before becoming Pope; and Michael Servetus, a savant who was burned at the stake for heresy after his book was published in Vienne.
What is the current status of Vienne's historical buildings?
Many of Vienne's historical buildings are preserved and contribute to its status as a tourist destination. The Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Plan de l'Aiguille are significant preserved monuments. The former cathedral of St Maurice is a Gothic basilica, and the church of Saint Peter houses a lapidary museum.
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