Bibracte

Bibracte was the capital of the Aedui, a Gallic people, and one of Gaul’s most important hillforts. It stands on Mont Beuvray, a hill in Burgundy near modern Autun. The site covers 135 hectares enclosed by a massive stone wall of the Murus Gallicus type. Before Roman conquest it had over thirty thousand inhabitants. After the Romans built Augustodunum nearby, Bibracte was abandoned and forgotten for centuries. The battle of Bibracte in 58 BC saw Julius Caesar defeat the Helvetii south of the fort. In 52 BC Vercingetorix was proclaimed leader of the Gaulish coalition at Bibracte. Archaeological work by Jacques-Gabriel Bulliot from 1867 to 1895 proved the site’s identity. His nephew Joseph Déchelette continued excavations until 1907. Today the hill is an archaeological park and a centre for training young archaeologists. Visitors walk through the protected forest that covers the hill. Remains of the great stone wall and gateways can be seen. Excavated houses and workshops show daily life in the oppidum. Interpretive displays explain the La Tène culture of the Aedui. The summit offers wide views across the surrounding countryside.