bmv_472403 - UZERCHE (VSERCA) Denier à la tête à gauche

UZERCHE (VSERCA)

(7th - 8th century)

The origins of Uzerche are discussed: some archaeologists recognize there the site of Uxellodunum or Usercodunum, the last oppidum of the Gallic defense in its fight against Caesar. But it is more certainly Puy d'Issolud in Quercy. During the barbarian invasions, Uzerche was ravaged by the Visigoths around 480. in the Merovingian period, Uzerche was attached, like all this province, to Aquitaine; it was conquered in 507 by one of the sons of Clovis, Thierry I, who became king of Austrasia on the death of his father in the year 511. Aquitaine will remain in the Austrasian fold until the beginning of the 7th century, when it will break away from it to belong sometimes to the kingdom of Neustria, sometimes falling under the prerogative of this or that member of the royal family.. It will even become an autonomous nation around 670, before being taken over by the Franks a little less than a century later.. Around 760, Pepin the Short who was fighting the last descendants of the Merovingians chose Uzerche as a center of resistance. He built among the ruins that could still be seen there, a fortress flanked by 18 towers, a church and a royal residence on the current site of the school and the church.. Under Charlemagne, several times his son Louis le Débonnaire stayed in Uzerche.