Cularo

Cularo was a Gallic settlement of the Allobroges tribe that evolved into modern Grenoble, France. The earliest reference dates to 43 BC in a letter from Munatius Plancus to Cicero. Under Rome, it served as an administrative centre and customs post for the Quadragesima Galliarum trade tax. Between 288-292 AD, Emperor Maximian built defensive walls featuring an oval perimeter with towers spaced every 22-24 metres, walls 4.5-5 metres thick, and monumental gates dedicated to Jupiter and Hercules. In 381 AD it was renamed Gratianopolis in honour of Emperor Gratian, a name that evolved into Grenoble.