Emperor Augustus founded the city of Autun during the early years of the Roman Empire. He named it Augustodunum to honor himself and provide a new capital for the Gallic people known as the Aedui.
German forces occupied Autun until September 1944. The Germans surrendered unconditionally on the 10th of September 1944 before American troops arrived.
Workers discovered a uranium mineral nearby in 1852 which gained global scientific recognition. They named this new mineral autunite after the town itself.
The city retains two ancient Roman gates called Porte Saint-André and Porte d'Arroux alongside other ruins dating back to Augustus era.
About 80 resistance fighters were killed during these intense months of struggle against occupation forces. This fight to liberate the city proved particularly bloody for members of the French Resistance.