Sanctuary of the Three Gauls, Roman temple in Lyon, France.
The Sanctuary of the Three Gauls is a Roman archaeological site in Lyon that extended along the southern slope of the Croix-Rousse hill and comprised various structures. The location featured a large altar, ceremonial spaces, substantial masonry walls, marble plates with ornamental details, and numerous inscriptions.
Drusus, stepson of Augustus and father of the future emperor Claudius, founded the sanctuary in 12 BC, in response to a rebellion provoked by the census of Gallia Comata. The altar was dedicated to Dea Roma and Augustus, and the Aeduan Caius Julius Vercondaridubnus became its first high priest. After defeating Clodius Albinus at Lugdunum, Septimius Severus reformed the cult centre shortly after 198/9 AD.
The sanctuary served as a gathering place where Gallic representatives met annually to reaffirm their connection to Rome and discuss shared concerns. These ceremonies took place in a solemn setting that underscored the gathering's importance for the region.
The archaeological remains are located near the present-day Jardin des Plantes, where you can see foundations and walls. Visitors should know that the site is mostly underground and some sections are only visible during excavation work.
Coins minted at Lugdunum are a main source for reconstructing the altar's appearance: they show it flanked by two columns topped by winged victories, with a wreath on the altar and the legend ROMETAVG below. The altar was rebuilt as a covered temple under Hadrian in 121 AD.
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