Ancient Greek and Roman Art and Architecture

Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria. It has an estimated population of nearly 200,000. Reggio is the oldest city in the region, and during ancient times, it was an important and flourishing colony of Magna Graecia. It is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Today Reggio has a modern urban system, set up after the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, which destroyed most of the city. The seismicity is caused by Reggio being on the Eurasian Plate near the faultline where it meets the African Plate that runs through the strait, dividing the two European regions of Calabria and Sicily into two different tectonic regions. Reggio, located opposite Messina, always had strategic importance. Invasions by the Vandals, the Lombards, and the Goths occurred in the 5th–6th centuries. Then, under Byzantine rule, it became a metropolis of Byzantine possessions in Italy. Until the 15th century, Reggio was one of the most important Greek-rite Bishoprics in Italy. The Arabs occupied Reggio in 918. For brief periods in the 10th–11th centuries, the city was ruled by the Arabs and it became part of the Emirate of Sicily. In 1005, a Christian fleet coming from Pisa sacked the city and massacred all the Saracens to the great jubilation of the local population. In 1060 the Normans, under Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily, captured Reggio. In 1194 Reggio and the whole of southern Italy went to the Hohenstaufen, who held it until 1266. In 1234 the town fair was established by decree of King Frederick II. The Palazzo Piacentini houses the fantastic "Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Reggio Calabria" aka "Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia". The two most famous inhabitants of the museum are the "Riace Bronzes" aka "Riace Warriors". These are two full-size Greek bronzes of naked bearded warriors, cast about 460–450 BC that were found in the sea in 1972 near Riace. Although the bronzes were rediscovered in 1972, they did not emerge from conservation until 1981. Considered one of the symbols of Calabria, the bronzes were commemorated even by a pair of Italian postage stamps. Both sculptures were made using the lost wax casting technique. There is still debate on who found the statues. Either a Roman tourist chanced upon the bronzes while snorkeling some 200 meters from the coast of Riace. Or they were found by four young teenagers from Riacef. Having found the statues underwater, they went to the government finances office and declared their find. At the time the sculptures were made much of Calabria was part of Magna Graecia. The Riace bronzes are surviving examples of ancient Greek sculpture. Their musculature is clear, yet not incised, and looks soft enough to be visible and realistic. The bronzes' turned heads add life to the figures. Their lips and nipples are made of copper. At one time, they held spears and shields, but those have not been found.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. The "Morgantina treasure" is a set of Greek silverware dating from the 3rd century BC, illegally excavated from Morgantina. It includes two large bowls, a cup with two handles, plates, and several drinking utensils. It was probably excavated around 1978 and was bought by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1981 and 1982. After protracted pressure, in 2010, the treasure was transferred from the Metropolitan to Rome, before returning to Sicily. The treasure was deposited in an ancient building of Morgantina, perhaps hidden there at the sack of the city in 211 BC. The creation of the objects is dated to around 240 BC.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. The "Morgantina treasure" is a set of Greek silverware dating from the 3rd century BC, illegally excavated from Morgantina. It includes two large bowls, a cup with two handles, plates, and several drinking utensils. It was probably excavated around 1978 and was bought by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1981 and 1982. After protracted pressure, in 2010, the treasure was transferred from the Metropolitan to Rome, before returning to Sicily. The treasure was deposited in an ancient building of Morgantina, perhaps hidden there at the sack of the city in 211 BC. The creation of the objects is dated to around 240 BC. Bust of Persephone with remains of painting - 3rd century BC.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. Bust of Persephone. 3rd century BC.

Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria. It has an estimated population of nearly 200,000. Reggio is the oldest city in the region, and during ancient times, it was an important and flourishing colony of Magna Graecia. It is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Today Reggio has a modern urban system, set up after the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, which destroyed most of the city. The seismicity is caused by Reggio being on the Eurasian Plate near the faultline where it meets the African Plate that runs through the strait, dividing the two European regions of Calabria and Sicily into two different tectonic regions. Reggio, located opposite Messina, always had strategic importance. Invasions by the Vandals, the Lombards, and the Goths occurred in the 5th–6th centuries. Then, under Byzantine rule, it became a metropolis of Byzantine possessions in Italy. Until the 15th century, Reggio was one of the most important Greek-rite Bishoprics in Italy. The Arabs occupied Reggio in 918. For brief periods in the 10th–11th centuries, the city was ruled by the Arabs and it became part of the Emirate of Sicily. In 1005, a Christian fleet coming from Pisa sacked the city and massacred all the Saracens to the great jubilation of the local population. In 1060 the Normans, under Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily, captured Reggio. In 1194 Reggio and the whole of southern Italy went to the Hohenstaufen, who held it until 1266. In 1234 the town fair was established by decree of King Frederick II. The Palazzo Piacentini houses the fantastic "Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Reggio Calabria" aka "Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia". The "Kouros of Reggio Calabria" would have stood originally some 1,30m tall. It is dated to 500 BC and was produced by a local master. The marble he used was brought in from the Greek island of Pharos.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. The statue of the goddess is 2.24m high and was sculpted in Sicily in the 5th century BC. The statue was stolen from the archaeological site of Morgantina in the second half of the 20th century. Das Paul Getty Museum bought it for 10.000.000 Euros from a London company and exhibited it in 1988. In 2001, the Court of Enna sentenced a fence to two years in prison and a fine of 40 billion lire (more than 2 million Euros). it was the first case in Italian law in which such a sanction was imposed on the clandestine export of an archaeological find. On 17 March 2011, on the 150th anniversary of national unity, the "Goddess of Morgantina" was returned to Italy.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery.

According to some scholars, Aidone was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Normans during the conquest of Sicily and the expulsion of the Arabs, but it is more likely that the Normans confined themselves to refounding and repopulating a pre-existing village snatched from the Saracens. At the time of Frederick II Aidone most probably belonged to the direct possession of the king The Emperor allowed some soldiers from Piacenza to settle in Aidone- In 1229 the Knights Templar were allowed to build the church of San Giovanni. After the death of Frederick II in 1255, Aidone declared itself a free commune and was able to resist the attack of the Count of Catanzaro, who acted in the name of King Manfredi. However, in 1257 it was taken and plundered by the Swabian army led by Federico Lancia. Aidone took part in the revolt of the Sicilian Vespers and expelled the French garrison The ancient city of Morgantina was located in the territory of the present municipality. In the 6th century, BC Greeks settled on the citadel hill and lived peacefully with the locals. In 459 BC Morgantina was conquered by the Sicilian king Ducetius, who destroyed the Greek settlement. Duktios is credited with the rectangular layout of the city. Around 450 BC, the city was conquered by Akragas and became the property of Syracuse. At the time of the Greek politician Timoleon (~ 450 BC) the city experienced an upswing, as archaeological finds prove. However, Morgantina experienced its greatest prosperity in the time of the Syracuse King Timoleon (~ 280 BC). During the 2nd Punic War Morgantina was conquered by the Romans. Since about 1955 archaeologists have been excavating the ancient city. Their findings can be seen in the local museum, housed in a former Capuchin monastery. Hundreds of such oil lamps were found.

Split, the largest city of Dalmatia, was (just like neighbouring Trogir) as the Greek colony in the 4th century BC. Roman emperor Diocletian had a palace built as a retirement residence near Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia at that time. After the Romans abandoned the site, the Palace remained empty for several centuries, but when Salona was sacked by Avars and Slavs in the 7th century, the walled Palace of Diocletian was settled by refugees from Salona. Since the the palace has been occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls. Today the remains of the palace form about half the old town and city center of Split. In 1979 the historic center of Split was included into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Next to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius ("Katedrala Svetog Duje"), in the center of ancient Diocletian's Palace, is this large rotunda, the center part of the dome got lost over the centuries.

Settlers, who did trade with Greece, lived here already during the Bronze Age. After the Punic Wars, it became a major center of Roman naval power and maritime trade. After the decline of the Roman Empire Brindisi was conquered by Ostrogoths, and reconquered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. In 674 it was destroyed by the Lombards led by Romuald I of Benevento, It was rebuilt and within the 9th century. It was under the Saracen rule from 836 to 868, when it was retaken by the Byzantines. In 1070, it was conquered by the Normans, led by Robert Guiskard. Brindisi flourished under the Staufer and developed into a privileged port for the Holy Land during the period of the Crusades. It was an Episcopal See and a new cathedral was constructed, in which the wedding of Norman Prince Roger III of Sicily and Irene Angelina, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos took place. Emperor Frederick II and Isabella of Brienne embarked from the port of Brindisi in 1228 for the Sixth Crusade. The interesting museum is located next to the cathedral. It was named after the archaeologist Francesco Ribezzo. It exhibits artifacts and findings from prehistoric to Roman times found in Brindisi and the surrounding area. There are 3,000 bronze sculptures and fragments in the Hellenistic Greek style alone. This statue, known as the "Hellenistic Prince", was assembled from two large fragments found in the port I have already uploaded many photos taken in Brindisi during previous visits, so I will only upload a few. If you want to see more, click here: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333376

The "Tavole Palatine" are the remains of a hexastyle Greek temple of the sixth century BC, dedicated to the goddess Hera and the god Apollo. The remains are located in the archaeological area of Metapontum, once an important city of Magna Graecia.

Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria. It has an estimated population of nearly 200,000. Reggio is the oldest city in the region, and during ancient times, it was an important and flourishing colony of Magna Graecia. It is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Today Reggio has a modern urban system, set up after the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, which destroyed most of the city. The seismicity is caused by Reggio being on the Eurasian Plate near the faultline where it meets the African Plate that runs through the strait, dividing the two European regions of Calabria and Sicily into two different tectonic regions. Reggio, located opposite Messina, always had strategic importance. Invasions by the Vandals, the Lombards, and the Goths occurred in the 5th–6th centuries. Then, under Byzantine rule, it became a metropolis of Byzantine possessions in Italy. Until the 15th century, Reggio was one of the most important Greek-rite Bishoprics in Italy. The Arabs occupied Reggio in 918. For brief periods in the 10th–11th centuries, the city was ruled by the Arabs and it became part of the Emirate of Sicily. In 1005, a Christian fleet coming from Pisa sacked the city and massacred all the Saracens to the great jubilation of the local population. In 1060 the Normans, under Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily, captured Reggio. In 1194 Reggio and the whole of southern Italy went to the Hohenstaufen, who held it until 1266. In 1234 the town fair was established by decree of King Frederick II. The Palazzo Piacentini houses the fantastic "Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Reggio Calabria" aka "Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia". This unusual container for perfumed oil was found in a grave from about 500 BC. It is in the shape of a young African´s head.

Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria. It has an estimated population of nearly 200,000. Reggio is the oldest city in the region, and during ancient times, it was an important and flourishing colony of Magna Graecia. It is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Today Reggio has a modern urban system, set up after the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, which destroyed most of the city. The seismicity is caused by Reggio being on the Eurasian Plate near the faultline where it meets the African Plate that runs through the strait, dividing the two European regions of Calabria and Sicily into two different tectonic regions. Reggio, located opposite Messina, always had strategic importance. Invasions by the Vandals, the Lombards, and the Goths occurred in the 5th–6th centuries. Then, under Byzantine rule, it became a metropolis of Byzantine possessions in Italy. Until the 15th century, Reggio was one of the most important Greek-rite Bishoprics in Italy. The Arabs occupied Reggio in 918. For brief periods in the 10th–11th centuries, the city was ruled by the Arabs and it became part of the Emirate of Sicily. In 1005, a Christian fleet coming from Pisa sacked the city and massacred all the Saracens to the great jubilation of the local population. In 1060 the Normans, under Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily, captured Reggio. In 1194 Reggio and the whole of southern Italy went to the Hohenstaufen, who held it until 1266. In 1234 the town fair was established by decree of King Frederick II. The Palazzo Piacentini houses the fantastic "Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Reggio Calabria" aka "Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia". Enthroned female deity - mid 6th BC

Reggio Calabria is the largest city in Calabria. It has an estimated population of nearly 200,000. Reggio is the oldest city in the region, and during ancient times, it was an important and flourishing colony of Magna Graecia. It is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Today Reggio has a modern urban system, set up after the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, which destroyed most of the city. The seismicity is caused by Reggio being on the Eurasian Plate near the faultline where it meets the African Plate that runs through the strait, dividing the two European regions of Calabria and Sicily into two different tectonic regions. Reggio, located opposite Messina, always had strategic importance. Invasions by the Vandals, the Lombards, and the Goths occurred in the 5th–6th centuries. Then, under Byzantine rule, it became a metropolis of Byzantine possessions in Italy. Until the 15th century, Reggio was one of the most important Greek-rite Bishoprics in Italy. The Arabs occupied Reggio in 918. For brief periods in the 10th–11th centuries, the city was ruled by the Arabs and it became part of the Emirate of Sicily. In 1005, a Christian fleet coming from Pisa sacked the city and massacred all the Saracens to the great jubilation of the local population. In 1060 the Normans, under Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily, captured Reggio. In 1194 Reggio and the whole of southern Italy went to the Hohenstaufen, who held it until 1266. In 1234 the town fair was established by decree of King Frederick II. The Palazzo Piacentini houses the fantastic "Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Reggio Calabria" aka "Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia". The Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) in position to get off the horses supported by Tritons. 5th century BC

The oppidum of the Celtic Alobroges became a Roman colony about 47 BC under Julius Caesar, but the Allobroges managed to expel the Romans. The exiles moved north and founded the colony of Lugdunum (today's Lyon). During the early Empire, Vienna regained all its former privileges as a Roman colony. The city flourished and became the second capital of southern Gaul during the Roman Empire. The first Christians lived in Vienne around 100 AD. In the 3rd century, the city became a bishopric. After the death of the childless last Burgundian king Rudolf III. Vienne fell in 1032 to the German king Conrad II and thus to the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, Vienne became the capital of the Dauphiné. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vienne experienced an economic boom, numerous houses were built in the half-timbered style of the time, and the cathedral was completed. During the Wars of Religion, the city was fought over and frequently looted. Founded in the 5th century by Bishop Mamert, the Saint-Pierre church became an abbey in the 6th century. It served as a funerary basilica until the 13th century and was then the privileged burial place of the bishops of Vienne. It is claimed that this church is one of the oldest in France. The church has retained its original basilica plan and structured nave. Monastic life ended with the French Revolution. In 1806, the city took possession of the church and set up the first municipal museum there in 1809. This may be Pan, the god of the fields, holding a large pan flute.

The oppidum of the Celtic Alobroges became a Roman colony about 47 BC under Julius Caesar, but the Allobroges managed to expel the Romans. The exiles moved north and founded the colony of Lugdunum (today's Lyon). During the early Empire, Vienna regained all its former privileges as a Roman colony. The city flourished and became the second capital of southern Gaul during the Roman Empire. The first Christians lived in Vienne around 100 AD. In the 3rd century, the city became a bishopric. After the death of the childless last Burgundian king Rudolf III. Vienne fell in 1032 to the German king Conrad II and thus to the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, Vienne became the capital of the Dauphiné. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vienne experienced an economic boom, numerous houses were built in the half-timbered style of the time, and the cathedral was completed. During the Wars of Religion, the city was fought over and frequently looted. Founded in the 5th century by Bishop Mamert, the Saint-Pierre church became an abbey in the 6th century. It served as a funerary basilica until the 13th century and was then the privileged burial place of the bishops of Vienne. It is claimed that this church is one of the oldest in France. The church has retained its original basilica plan and structured nave. Monastic life ended with the French Revolution. In 1806, the city took possession of the church and set up the first municipal museum there in 1809. A bear roaming in a vineyard and chased away by the farmer. A detail from a funerary stele. Vienne - Musée archéologique Saint-Pierre de Vienne The oppidum of the Celtic Alobroges became a Roman colony about 47 BC under Julius Caesar, but the Allobroges managed to expel the Romans. The exiles moved north and founded the colony of Lugdunum (today's Lyon). During the early Empire, Vienna regained all its former privileges as a Roman colony. The city flourished and became the second capital of southern Gaul during the Roman Empire. The first Christians lived in Vienne around 100 AD. In the 3rd century, the city became a bishopric. After the death of the childless last Burgundian king Rudolf III. Vienne fell in 1032 to the German king Conrad II and thus to the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, Vienne became the capital of the Dauphiné. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vienne experienced an economic boom, numerous houses were built in the half-timbered style of the time, and the cathedral was completed. During the Wars of Religion, the city was fought over and frequently looted. Founded in the 5th century by Bishop Mamert, the Saint-Pierre church became an abbey in the 6th century. It served as a funerary basilica until the 13th century and was then the privileged burial place of the bishops of Vienne. It is claimed that this church is one of the oldest in France. The church has retained its original basilica plan and structured nave. Monastic life ended with the French Revolution. In 1806, the city took possession of the church and set up the first municipal museum there in 1809. A bear roaming in a vineyard and chased away by the farmer. A detail from a funerary stele.

The oppidum of the Celtic Alobroges became a Roman colony about 47 BC under Julius Caesar, but the Allobroges managed to expel the Romans. The exiles moved north and founded the colony of Lugdunum (today's Lyon). During the early Empire, Vienna regained all its former privileges as a Roman colony. The city flourished and became the second capital of southern Gaul during the Roman Empire. The first Christians lived in Vienne around 100 AD. In the 3rd century, the city became a bishopric. After the death of the childless last Burgundian king Rudolf III. Vienne fell in 1032 to the German king Conrad II and thus to the Holy Roman Empire. In the 12th century, Vienne became the capital of the Dauphiné. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vienne experienced an economic boom, numerous houses were built in the half-timbered style of the time, and the cathedral was completed. During the Wars of Religion, the city was fought over and frequently looted. Founded in the 5th century by Bishop Mamert, the Saint-Pierre church became an abbey in the 6th century. It served as a funerary basilica until the 13th century and was then the privileged burial place of the bishops of Vienne. It is claimed that this church is one of the oldest in France. The church has retained its original basilica plan and structured nave. Monastic life ended with the French Revolution. In 1806, the city took possession of the church and set up the first municipal museum there in 1809.