Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Location
About
Cenabum, located near present-day Orléans, was an ancient Gallic oppidum and the capital of the Carnutes tribe, serving as a significant commercial hub on the Loire River. It was fortified with walls, moats, and a strategically vital bridge. In 52 BCE, during the Gallic Wars, it was captured and destroyed by Julius Caesar, marking a pivotal moment in Roman expansion. The site was later rebuilt and renamed Urbs Aurelianorum by Emperor Aurelian in 273 CE, featuring new defensive structures to protect against barbarian invasions. It endured several sieges, including one by Attila the Hun in 451 CE, and was eventually integrated into the Merovingian kingdom after being conquered by the Salian Franks in 498 CE. Cenabum's archaeological significance lies in its transformation from a Gallic stronghold to a Romanized city, reflecting the broader historical shifts in the region.
Gallery
Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Cenabum



Archaeological Features
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Defensive Structures
Public and Civic Structures
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Historical Timeline
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Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- France
- Source
- Wikipedia
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