Roman Lugdunum
Roman Lugdunum is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Lyon audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~60 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Lyon Lyon guide
About Roman Lugdunum
Lyon was founded as Lugdunum in 43 BC by Roman general Lucius Munatius Plancus and grew to become the capital of the Three Gauls, the commercial and administrative heart of the western Roman Empire.
Lugdunum, modern Lyon, was founded in 43 BC by the Roman general Lucius Munatius Plancus as a Roman colony on the hill of Fourvière, at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône. Within a generation, it had become the most important city in the western Roman Empire after Rome itself: the capital of the Province of Gallia Lugdunensis, and the city from which the Via Agrippa, the great road system of Roman Gaul, radiated in four directions to the corners of the province. Under the emperor Augustus, Lugdunum became the administrative capital of the Three Gauls (Lugdunensis, Belgica, and Aquitania), and the Ara Trium Galliarum, the Altar of the Three Gauls, at the confluence became the central sacred space of Roman Gaul, where representatives of 60 Gallic peoples met annually. The city had two magnificent theatres (still visible on Fourvière), an amphitheatre for gladiatorial games, extensive public baths, and a forum. Three Roman emperors were born or closely connected to Lugdunum: Claudius was born there in 10 BC, Caracalla in AD 188. The city's Roman heritage is visible today in the theatres, the Musée Gallo-Romain, and the fragments of Roman streets and structures uncovered throughout the modern city.
Did you know? Three of the Roman Empire's most significant figures were born or closely connected to Lugdunum: Emperor Claudius (born 10 BC), Emperor Caracalla (born 188 AD), and the Christian martyrs of Lugdunum, who were executed in the amphitheatre in 177 AD.
How long should you spend at Roman Lugdunum?
Plan about ~60 min at Roman Lugdunum. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Roman Lugdunum worth visiting?
Roman Lugdunum is one of the 25 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Lyon, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Lyon
Hear the story of Roman Lugdunum
Preview the Lyon tour free in the Gingerguide app.