The victory of Julius Caesar at Alesia in 52 BC and the end of the conflict with Rome did not mark the end of the occupation of the oppidum of Alesia. The site was gradually urbanized according to Roman architectural and urban planning methods. Its buildings (theatre, forum, monumental sanctuaries, etc.) were brought to light during the excavations carried out by archaeologist Émile Espérandieu (1857-1939) at the beginning of the 20th century. The remains visible here and today attached to the MuséoParc Alésia housed at the height of the Gallo-Roman city a prosperous population of 4,000 inhabitants, made up in particular of bronze craftsmen and blacksmiths united in a corporation.