<!–^~^33|right|Les ArËnes in NÓmes in Provence were built in the 1st century AD^~^–>The Greeks first tried to settle in Celtic Gaul and managed to establish a small colony in Marseille in 600 BC. Then it was the turn of the Romans, lead by Julius Caesar, who entirely invaded Gaul during the Gallic Wars (58-51 BC). The Romans brought unity and peace for two centuries of Pax Romana during which agriculture, cattle-breeding and urban development were greatly improved.
<!–^~^34|left|The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 BC in Provence^~^–>During the 2nd century AC, Romans brought Christianity into Gaul and by the third century, the power of the Roman Empire had begun its decline. The 4th century started with Barbarian invaders from the East such as the Franks, the Vandals and the Visigoths. Clovis, King of the Franks, converted to christianity and his power brought unity to Gaul, starting the Merovingian dynasty.
Dateline:
58-51 BC
Caesar’s Gallic Wars
52 BC
Lutetia is built, the future Paris
43 AD
Lugdunum (Lyon) becomes the capital of the Gauls
2nd century AD
Romans bring Christianity to Gaul
485-511
Reign of Clovis I, Merovingian King of the Franks
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