Augustodunum (present day Autun) was
founded during the reign of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, after whom it
was named. It was the civitas capital of the Celtic Aedui, who had been allies
and fratres ("brothers") of Rome since before Julius Caesar's conquest
of Gaul. Augustodunum was a planned foundation replacing the original oppidum
or hillfort Bibracte, located some 25 kilometres away. Several elements of
Roman architecture such as walls, gates, and a Roman theatre are still visible
in the town.
In 356 AD, Autun came under siege by a
force