Murus gallicus de Lyon, Archaeological fortification in Fourvière, Lyon, France.
The Murus gallicus of Lyon is a Gallic defensive wall in Fourvière that stretches over 30 meters and is built from dry stone with an artificial earth embankment. The structure reaches about 5 meters in height and reveals multiple layers of Roman and medieval fortifications from excavations.
This defensive structure was built in the first half of the 1st century BCE, before the Roman settlement of Lugdunum was established. It marks the early Gallic presence in the region during a time when the site was not yet under Roman control.
The structure combines wooden beams, stone blocks, and earth in a way that shows how Celtic builders worked during the La Tène period. You can see how this technique was practical for building strong defensive barriers without advanced tools.
The archaeological site features preserved wall sections that show clearly how the layers were built up over time. The site is relatively small and compact, so visitors can walk around and see the different construction phases without needing much time.
A burial urn containing burnt bones dating to around 30-50 CE was discovered near the wall during excavations. This find shows that the site was used as a burial ground during the early Roman period, providing rare evidence of how people were treated after death in this era.
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