The conference "The Battle of Lugdunum and the Treasure of Genas", organized by the City of Genas, drew a large crowd to the Neutrino Théâtre on Tuesday, November 3rd. Archaeologist Matthieu Poux shared insights into the ancient history of the region.
The first part of the presentation focused on the Treasure of Genas, discovered 200 years ago in 1826 by children. This hoard consisted of 2,300 Roman silver denarii, minted with the effigy of Clodius Albinus, a claimant to the Roman imperial throne at the end of the 2nd century. Archaeological research suggests this monetary deposit was likely linked to a Gallo-Roman villa situated along the ancient road connecting Lugdunum (Lyon) to Bergusium (Bourgoin). It may be associated with the tensions preceding the Battle of Lugdunum in 197 AD, where Clodius Albinus clashed with Septimius Severus for control of the Roman Empire.
Over the centuries, the treasure was dispersed, likely through the antiquities market. Today, only one denarius definitively from the treasure is held at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Matthieu Poux also presented the latest knowledge on the Battle of Lugdunum, his research on its location, and its consequences for the city.
A conference that captivated the audience from beginning to end.
To delve deeper, a 2019 conference by Matthieu Poux and Patrice Faure, "Lugdunum 197. A Battle, a City, the Empire," is available on YouTube. Additionally, the exhibition "The Fabulous History of the Genas Treasure" by the Association des Arts Créatifs de Genas is on display at the Le Jardin des Imaginaires media library until November 23, 2026.
