Cenabum

Cenabum was a Gallic oppidum and capital of the Carnutes tribe, located near present-day Orleans on the Loire River. The name derives from the Celtic root kena- (head), reflecting its position on a river bend. Fortified with walls, moats, and a strategic bridge, it served as a thriving commercial port. In February 52 BC, the massacre of Roman merchants here ignited the Great Gallic Revolt led by Vercingetorix; Caesar swiftly captured and burned the town. In 1902, remains of a murus gallicus were discovered at 13 m depth. Emperor Aurelian rebuilt the city c. 273 AD as Urbs Aurelianorum, which evolved into the modern name Orleans.