The situation changed in the 3rd century BCE. Gaul was still regarded by Rome as being the land of Barbarians, and they had neither the means nor the will to try to conquer it at this time. Massalia was also allied with Rome, and so directly or indirectly there was significant contact and exchange between the Gauls of Provence and the Romans even as they continued to eye each warily. Much of this was facilitated by the Greek colony of Massalia (modern Marseille) which had long vied with Carthage for dominance of the Western Mediterranean.
They were involved in trade networks and would exchange goods across the Mediterranean. The Gauls famously sacked Rome in the year 390 BCE, and their fierce temperament made them greatly feared by the Romans.īut the Gauls of Southern France were not just some group of bandits, going round and stealing from other peoples. The Gauls regularly attacked their neighbours, looking to plunder resources and capture slaves.įrom around the 4th century BCE, one of these neighbours was Rome - at this time still a relatively small city state, but gradually expanding its territory in Italy. In Provence, many were involved in farming, taking advantage of the fertile soils of the Rhone valley.
Many Gauls lived in small towns, known as oppida often located on hilltops and were split into hierarchical societies, with a small but powerful ruling aristocracy. Known as Gauls, they were groups who had migrated from Central Europe and inhabited most of modern day France, Belgium and Northern Italy, as well as areas of the Alps. Or, for a more detailed history of Roman Provence, simply continue reading down the page!įrom the middle of the 1st millennium BCE, Provence was mostly inhabited by Celtic tribes. Use the map and links below if you are interested in finding out more about a particular place. These are monuments that we visit on ourĬycling holidays in Provence, and are all within a relatively small area. And in this guide we will be introducing some of the best Roman ruins in Provence, and revealing a little about the stories behind them. Most impressive and extensive of all, in our opinion, are the ancient monuments. Buildings like the Palais des Papes in Avignon or the hilltop castle of Gordes all help to tell the story of the region's history. But it is also a region whose culture and charm has been influenced by thousands of years of history.Īnd one of the great things about Provence is that it is alive with reminders of past eras. The beautiful villages, the rolling vineyards, the great food and the superb climate are just a few. It dates from the reign of Emperor Augustus, and is one of the best preserved Roman theatres anywhere.Provence is a fantastic region to visit for many reasons. It dates from 1860 and is France's oldest festival.Įvery July, the Chorégies d'Orange take place in the theatre. decorated with reliefs celebrating various Roman victories. This is also part of the World Heritage site. Since 1933, the Musée d'Orange has been housed in a 17th-century mansion and former residence of Georges Van Cuyl, the Dutch man put in charge of armaments for the château on the hill by the Prince of Orange. The museum includes a collection of art and furniture from ancient Roman times to the 19th century, and also covers the history of Orange. One highlight is the Roman Centaur Mosaic in the Portico Room. This is the hill next to the ancient Theatre. It dominates the city and also the Rhone and Comtadine countryside as far as mont Ventoux, providing a breathtaking panorama. Remnants of the history of the city, particularly those of the castle of the Princes of Nassau, can be seen in this park. The castle was one of the most beautiful fortresses in Europe, fortified by Maurice of Nassau in 1622. It was destroyed on the orders of Louis XIV in 1673.
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