With a boost in confidence from this easy victory, the barbarians proceeded to advance, pin Maximus’ army against the river, and destroy it also. Caepio’s army was annihilated due to the hasty nature of this piecemeal assault. Caepio, motivated by hatred and envy of Maximus, foolishly launched an attack on the barbarians. The sight of two Roman armies made Boiorix cautious, and he entered into negotiations with Maximus. Caepio pitched his tents closer to the enemy, and his dispositions are shown on the battlefield (Maximus and his army have made camp off map). However, the armies did not camp together. The Roman forces were camped by the Rhone River, near Arausio (modern Orange). However, bitter differences between the Consul Gnaeus Mallius Maximus and the Proconsul Quintus Servillius Caepio prevented the two Roman armies from cooperating, with devastating results. Two Roman armies were sent to stop this migration with nearly 80,000 legionnaires. At the same time a major migration by the Cimbri, Teutons and Ambrones under the Kings Boiorix and Teutobod was moving south, reportedly with over 200,000 men (a great exaggeration, more likely the fighters numbered about 50,000). Saint Maximinus went to Aix-en-Provence to become Bishop there, and one of the most famous saints in France.Following the Punic Wars, Rome set out to consolidate the territories it had captured beyond the Alps. Her sister Martha headed to nearby Tarascon, and is said to have been buried there. Mary Magdalene statue – Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-BaumeĮventually, legend had it she retired to nearby Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume (about 50min away from Marseille by car) where a crypt is said to contain her remains. From here, they spread across the area and she is said to have converted the local people of Marseille. It is believed that she arrived there with her sister Martha, and brother Lazarus, Maximinus, as well as Marie Salomé and Marie de Cléophas after leaving the Holy Land. Tradition holds that Mary Magdalene came to Marseille, after landing in nearby Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. These ruins date back to as early as 600 BC, and were discovered during a construction project in the 1960s.ĭuring the Roman era, Marseille became an early center of Christianity. However, a few steps away in the Jardin des Vestiges is the remains of the city’s ancient Greek and Roman port. As such there is not much remaining in terms of Roman ruins. The Old Port in Marseille was completely renovated in 2012 with improved traffic circulation and a new metro station underneath. ☞ READ MORE: French travel phrases you need for a trip to France Today, it is one of the most popular destinations in France. In the early 2000s, traffic around the area was rerouted to preserve this UNESCO world heritage site and from pollution and maintain the tranquil nature of the area. Rather than delivering water, the bridge instead became a tourist attraction, with everyone from royalty to apprentice masons making their way to the bridge to admire its architecture. The bridge remained mostly intact, with the Ducs of nearby Uzès being responsible for maintaining the bridge. With 3 tiers of arches, it crosses the river Gardon and is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges, as well as being one of the best-preserved.Īfter the Roman empire collapsed, the Pont du Gard remained in use as it also served as a toll bridge for people looking to cross the river. Built over a period of 5 years in the 1st century, the aqueduct was built to carry water to over 50 km (31 miles) to the Roman colony of Nimes. So let’s have a look at the top Roman sites and ruins across France, shall we? Allons-y!Ībout 45 minutes away from Arles is the famous Roman aquaduct called Pont du Gard. Indeed, many of the sites that remain are for entertainment purposes as they were built on a grand scale that was designed to impress.Īnd that Roman architecture still does continue to impress. As such, there are many Roman sites and ruins that visitors can find all across France. The Romans lived in Gaul (old name for “France”) for centuries, and thus had plenty of time to build amphitheatres, temples, theatres, thermal spas, and more. The history of France was heavily influenced by the Roman Empire that invaded from the Mediterranean and made their way across much of the territory.įrom the natural harbors along (what is today) the French riviera, the Roman armies went north, building roads and settlements as they conquered the Gaulish tribes who were living there. All information provided is for entertainment purposes only, see our disclosure policy.) (As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn commissions on purchases.
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