From one world to another: the exhibition that tells the story of Autun at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale

Our ancestors continue to keep their secrets. But sometimes, thanks to archaeological discoveries, certain mysteries are finally revealed. Major excavations in Autun, France, in 2020, have revealed some amazing finds. The exhibition D'un monde à l'autre : Autun from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, an exhibition highlighting the evolution of the Gallo-Roman city over nearly a thousand years.

The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale is hosting the exhibition from February 17 to June 17, 2024. Featuring exceptional archaeological artefacts and just-discovered remains, the exhibition tells the story of the city's rich and fascinating history, spanning almost a millennium.

Between 16 and 13 BC, as Augustus reigned over the vast Roman Empire, the city of Augustodunum was founded. It was to become the cultural, political and economic capital of the Aedui, a people of Celtic Gaul.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of December 2 to 8, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris in December 2024? Discover this month's events in the Paris Region
• Free museums and monuments this Sunday: places to visit in Paris on January 5, 2025

Archaeological finds have enabled researchers to retrace the city's rich history. Ancient remains tell of the city's cultural importance: a university center for the Gallic elite, a city converted to Christianity and seat of one of the country's first bishoprics, a place where culture was transmitted... Over the centuries, Autun has maintained its spiritual and intellectual influence on the region.

The work of historians also shows thephysical evolution of the town: large Roman domus, ramparts and vestiges of Roman culture, religious buildings of the Middle Ages, invasions and destruction... Time and man have brought their share of transformations, changes that have left their mark throughout the city.

The exhibition also highlights the important links between the Gallic city and the powers that be in Rome: trade, adoption of religious practices, everyday objects... These relics help us to understand the importance of the Roman Empire in the daily life of the Gallic town.

History and archaeology fans, don't miss this fascinating exhibition at the Domaine National de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.