Autricum, Archaeological site in Chartres, France
Autricum was a large Roman settlement whose remains spread across the Beauce plain and connected via ancient roads to Dreux and Orleans. The site contained public buildings, residential areas, and an amphitheater for entertainment events.
The settlement served as the capital of the Carnutes tribe until Julius Caesar defeated them and brought the region under Roman control. Afterward, it was reorganized as one of six allied cities in the Lyonensis province.
The name Autricum comes from a Celtic word for water, referring to its location near the Eure River. Today, the layout of earlier buildings reveals how inhabitants organized their settlement and made use of the surrounding land.
Visitors can see the finds from Autricum, including coins, inscriptions, and burial items, displayed at the Musée Municipal in Chartres. The museum is centrally located and offers a good overview of the ancient settlement's history.
Excavations in 1965 uncovered the foundation walls of an amphitheater, revealing insights into Gallo-Roman entertainment culture. Today's street grid in Chartres still follows the patterns of the ancient city, showing where temples and public spaces once stood.
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