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| View of the Amphitheater through the sculptured concrete walls of the Museum. The governor built the amphitheater at his own expense. |
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| Remains of a Roman Chariot with its freight |
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| Frieze on sarcophagus |
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| A segment of one of the finest bronze inscriptions from antiquity. Recording a speech in 48 CE by the Emperor Claudius in the front of the Roman Senate. |
Present day Lyon is at the confluence of the Soane and Rhone
rivers. Founded in 43 BC as a colony of Rome, it was then known as Lugdunum and
served as a center of Roman administration from the first century through the
decline of the empire 400 years later. Shortly after the assassination of
Julius Caesar, the new leaders of Rome decided that it would be best to move one of
Caesar’s good friends and supporters out of Rome and away from the centers of
power—a savvy political move.
Hence, Munatius Placus was given the assignment of founding and heading a colony in
central Gaul - far enough away to
not be a threat, but at the same time useful to the Roman state. Lugdunum
became a center for trade in wine, olive oil and other goods of the area – a
veritable emporium. High on a hill
overlooking the modern city is the center of the Roman settlement with its amphitheater,
Odeon, and remnants of baths and homes.
Today the Gallo-Roman Museum, designed and constructed with
wonderful concrete forms and carved into a hillside, overlooks these ancient
sites. Using the most modern
museum design, it displays ancient Gallo-Roman artifacts – sculptures, friezes, jewelry,
coins, and ceramics.
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