Cularo

Cularo, an ancient city founded by the Allobroges, is the precursor to modern-day Grenoble. It gained prominence in the Late Classical Period when the Roman Emperor Maximian fortified it with defensive walls in 292 CE, marking its elevation to a city. These walls remain significant archaeological features today, representing its Civitas status. By 381 CE, the city was renamed Gratianopolis in honor of Emperor Gratian, reflecting its continued importance in the Roman Empire. The site also includes religious structures from the Gallo-Roman period, such as the Saint-Laurent crypt and a baptistery. These structures highlight the city's role in the early Christian era. Cularo's transformation into Gratianopolis illustrates the cultural and political shifts in Roman Gaul during this period.