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| GENERAL INFORMATION | 
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| ARCHITECTURE |
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| A picture of the Vienne city wall | 
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A PICTURE OF THE VIENNE CITY WALL
One may be surprised by the position of the wall in relation to the layout of the city. Built in time of peace, its outer edges only encircle empty hills and leave densely inhabited districts on the outside. It seems to have been placed on these hills only in order to take advantage of their height and must thus have been visible for miles around. It seems to have been as much a symbol of the wealth and power of the city as a defensive structure. Furthermore, it is from this point of view that it is represented on a vase found at Lyons. The medallion that decorates it shows the triumph of the guardian goddess of Vienne. Her head crowned with towers, she is mounted on a chariot pulled by Mercury, who symbolises trade, and followed by a victory. In the background part of the ramparts, a tower and a door can be seen, giving an impression of the "rich and flourishing"city as it is described on the gateway. We also read, below, that "Vienne is happy, powerful and flourishing because its emperor is in good health"
