Lugdunum
,
Lutetia
or even
Massalia
to designate Lyon, Paris and Marseille: certain Gallo-Roman names continue to remain in people's minds.
The cities of Roman Gaul, at the time of the Roman Empire, acquired Gallo-Roman names, when they were not directly founded by the Empire.
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The Gallo-Roman cities then borrow their names from Latin and Celtic, which sometimes reveals surprising etymologies.
For example with the origin of the name "
Lugdunum
", which is still unclear.
According to some it takes its name from the Latins "
dunum
" ("hill") and "
lug
" ("light"), while for others the name comes from the Celtic words "
lougounos
" ("ravens") and "
dounon
" ("high place").
Whether you devoured
Asterix
during your childhood and consider yourself an ace of Gallo-Roman names, or want to know more, the editorial staff offers you to check your knowledge.