Archaeology

Mighty warrior, Vercingétorix

Alesia

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Julius Caesar arrived in Gaul, what we now know as France, in 58BC. The Gauls had established large hilltop towns, notably at Bibracte near Autun and here, the tribal factions united under the leadership of Vercingétorix against the Romans.

The Battle of Alésia in 52BC was a decisive turning point in the history of France when Vercingétorix, the mighty leader was defeated by Julius Caesar. The Roman troops surrounded the Gauls, starved them out and besieged them.

Caesar developed a double line of fortification with trenches and walls: one faced inwards to prevent the Gauls escaping and the other outwards to stave off attack from Gaulish armies coming to the rescue. After six weeks Vercingétorix surrendered to save his people and he was later put to death. As a Roman province, the region stabilized and became educated, Latin was taught, the culture developed, and modern day France was born.

Alise-Ste-Reine is situated on the steep slopes of Mont Auxois. It lays claim to being the site of this decisive battle. Napoléon III instigated excavations here between 1861 and 1865, revealing a large military presence, bones and objects, and he had a magnificent bronze statue of Vercingétorix erected immediately above the village. On its pedestal, the sculpture by Aimé Millet stands 13.6 m high. However, two other places in France lay claim to being the site of the battle and from 1991-1998 further excavations were carried out to prove whether this site was authentic or not. The mystery continues to this day.

In Spring 2012 an impressive new Muséoparc will open at Alésia to include a museum and tell the whole story. There will also be a Discovery Trail on the archaeological area which sits on a very exposed ridge and has remains of the forum, Celtic temple and forges from which it gained its prosperity.

You can visit the statue of Vercingétorix at any time for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. There is a free parking area.

Opening Times

To be announced

Place to eat

Auberge du Cheval Blanc, Alise-Ste-Reine

Places to stay

• Le Verger sous les Vignes**** Villeferry
• Hostellerie de l'Aussois*** Semur-en Auxois

Places to visit nearby

• Château Bussy-Rabutin
• Semur-en-Auxois

• Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
• Abbaye de Fontenay

General Info

• For a lighthearted look at life in Roman times, Astérix the Legionary and Astérix the Gaul are just two of many books written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo available from www.amazon.co.uk