Live auction - bmv_966358 - AUXERRE - AVTISIODORVM CIVITAS Triens

AUXERRE - AUTISIODORUM CIVITAS

(7th - 8th century)

At the end of the 4th century, Auxerre had barely recovered from the fire and the looting that the Alamanni and the Franks had subjected it to in 275-276, when strong threats became clearer on the borders of the Empire where barbarian tribes attentive to Roman decadence. Aware of the threat of greater danger, the inhabitants then set about building fortifications behind which they would then be safe from incursions.. The solidity of the walls ensured the integrity of the city during the great Germanic invasions of 407. She seems not to have escaped the sacking of the Huns in 451, whose devastation deprived her of a bishop for ten years.. The territories then pass under the military command of the counts. Bishops dividing their activity between warlike concerns and the organization of their diocese. From the 6th century, Auxerre had eight churches. The 7th century saw the rise, outside the enclosure, of new monasteries. Around 634, Bishop Pallade transferred the monastery of Saint-Julien, which later boasted three juxtaposed basilicas and two oratories. He also founded Saint-Eusèbe, which he populated with religious. Vigile, his successor, built the disappeared church of Notre-Dame-la-d'Hors (outside the walls) which he intended for his burial. A first urbanization takes shape, the religious communities gradually attracting a population of merchants and craftsmen.