Autun, a subprefecture of the Saône-et-Loire department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of central-eastern France, holds a significant place in history, dating back to its foundation during the early Roman Empire. Originally named Augustodunum by Emperor Augustus, the city served as a Roman capital for the Gallic people Aedui, replacing their political center at Bibracte, located approximately 25 km away. The strategic relocation and the establishment of Augustodunum underscore the Roman Empire’s efforts to consolidate its power and influence over the Gallic territories.
Historical Places
V Bar V Heritage Site
The V Bar V Heritage Site stands as a significant archaeological and cultural landmark in the Verde Valley of central Arizona. It is recognized as the largest known petroglyph site in the region and is among the best-preserved. The site, which was acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, features 1,032 petroglyphs distributed across 13 panels. These petroglyphs offer a unique glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Southern Sinagua residents who inhabited the area between approximately 1150 and 1400 AD.
Tell es-Sultan (Ancient Jericho)
Tell es-Sultan, also known as ancient Jericho, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Located in the West Bank, near the Jordan River, it’s a site of immense historical and archaeological significance. Excavations have revealed a sequence of settlements stretching back thousands of years, providing insights into early urban development in the Near East. The site is synonymous with the biblical story of the fall of Jericho’s walls, although its history spans far beyond that singular event.
Karahan Tepe
Karahan Tepe, also known by its Kurdish name Girê Keçel, represents a pivotal archaeological site located in the Şanlıurfa Province of Turkey. This site, lying in close proximity to the renowned Göbekli Tepe, has garnered significant attention from the archaeological community due to its remarkable features and its potential to redefine our understanding of early human settlements. The discoveries at Karahan Tepe, including T-shaped stelae and numerous obelisks adorned with animal figures, suggest a complex societal structure and a rich cultural tapestry dating back to between 9,000-11,000 BC.
Göbekli Tepe
Göbekli Tepe, situated in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early human societies. Inhabited from approximately 9500 to at least 8000 BC, during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, this site has captivated the archaeological community and challenged previous conceptions of Neolithic life. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, Göbekli Tepe’s monumental circular structures and massive stone pillars represent the world’s oldest known megaliths, offering rare insights into prehistoric religion, society, and iconography.
Otomi Ceremonial Center
The Otomi Ceremonial Center, situated in the municipality of Temoaya, 37 kilometers from Toluca, stands as a significant cultural and ecological landmark within the Otomi-Mexica Park. This park, established by decree on January 4, 1980, under the governance of Dr. Jorge Jiménez Cantú, encompasses the Xempoala La Bufa Ecological, Tourist and Recreational Park Protected Natural Area. It serves a dual purpose: preserving the rich Otomi culture and acting as a bulwark against environmental pollution.