In the archives: Lyon, capital of Gaul?
In what areas has our city been a pioneer? In what ways has it established itself as a center of global scientific innovation, economic vitality, artistic creation, or societal advancement? To mark its thirtieth anniversary, Lyon Capitale is offering a section in partnership with the Lyon Municipal Archives.
Although it is fashionable to refer to Lyon as the " capital of Gaul " between the Rhône and the Saône, the expression is nonetheless inaccurate. In reality, Lugdunum never exceeded its status as the capital of Lyonnaise Gaul, although it hosted events of national significance.
Undoubtedly, Lugdunum, a prosperous and influential ancient city, played a crucial role in the development of the Roman Empire. However, contrary to myth, it was never given the title of capital of Gaul. “ The image of Lyon as the 'capital of Gaul' (Caput Galliarum) is firmly anchored in people's minds. However, it seems that no ancient document describes it as such ,” certify historians Paul Chopelin and Pierre-Jean Souriac in their Nouvelle Histoire de Lyon et de la métropole (Privat, 2019), with a broad consensus among their peers behind them.
But even more, beyond the lack of historical evidence, the modern status of “ political capital ” of a state cannot apply to Lugdunum, the specialists cut short. “ A governor did not have sovereignty (he was the representative of Roman power), and the municipal institutions of Lyon even less: they enjoyed only a shred of local autonomy. In other words, Lugdunum was in no way to Gaul what Paris was and remains to France. ”
The current confusion, perhaps fueled by a good dose of local chauvinism, can also possibly be explained by the meeting of the main notables of the three Gauls (Lyonnaise, Belgian and Aquitaine) which took place each year in Lugdunum. “ Undoubtedly the strongest argument to justify a special status for Lugdunum, implying a form of centrality on the scale of Gaul ,” historians suggest. This event, instituted by Augustus in 12 BC, was held in the federal sanctuary of the Three Gauls, of which the amphitheater on the slopes of Croix-Rousse (1st arrondissement) is a part. The altar was then a space for dialogue between the elites of the sixty Gallic cities and the Roman power. On this occasion, the Gallic representatives met to pay homage to the emperor and reaffirm their loyalty to Rome. But once again, this gathering, although prestigious for the city – on a par with the numerous stays of the emperor and his family – did not confer on Lugdunum any political status greater than that of a provincial capital.
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