Autun is a subprefecture located in the Saône-et-Loire department within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of central-eastern France. The commune currently has a population of approximately 13,000 residents.
The city was founded during the Principate era of the early Roman Empire by Emperor Augustus under the name Augustodunum. It was established to serve as a Roman capital for the Gallic people Aedui, who previously utilized Bibracte as their political center. During the Roman period, historical estimates suggest the city may have housed between 30,000 and 100,000 people.