Augustodunum

Augustodunum is an archaeological site in Autun with an excavated necropolis from Roman times that contains over 230 graves with mausoleums, wooden structures, tile buildings, sandstone sarcophagi, and lead coffins. The remains show the range of burial practices and the skilled craftsmanship put into funeral monuments from that period.

Emperor Augustus founded Augustodunum around 13 BCE as the new capital of the Aedui people, making it the second most important Roman center after Lyon. The settlement quickly became a place of economic and military significance in the region.

Excavations revealed luxury items including a rare glass vessel with the inscription 'Vivas feliciter', amber pins, gold rings, and jet jewelry.

The site remains largely unexplored, with only 3 to 4 percent of the total area examined through systematic archaeological investigation. Visitors should expect many areas to remain unexcavated or undocumented, and access may be limited in certain parts.

Researchers discovered fabric remnants with golden thread and traces of purple dye near lead coffins, pointing to substantial wealth among the buried individuals. These rare textile finds reveal how valuable grave goods were and what importance fine fabrics held in Roman burial practices.

GPS coordinates: 46.95167,4.29944

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01