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Early History
Home » France » France - History and Overview » Early HistoryPosted by Your Guide on May 17, 2006 4:51 PM
France was originally settled by the Celts in ancient times, and when Julius Caesar conquered the area it was known as Gaul. The Romans set up a colony called Lutetia on the River Seine; in later years it would come to be known as Paris. The Romans also established settlements at Orange, Montpellier, and Marseille, areas that now display some of the best Roman ruins in Europe.
Over time Christianity began to take hold in the area, and one of the converts was Clovis, King of the Franks and founder of the Merovingian dynasty. At the Battle of Soissons in 486 A.D., Clovis defeated the last remaining Roman powers in Gaul. He and his Merovingian descendants continued to gain power, though the line eventually died out.
After the Merovingians faded, the Carolingians emerged. Their empire stretched from the Pyrénées to the German forests, encompassing much of modern day France, Germany, and northern Italy. Charlemagne was the heir in line to rule this new dynasty, and his efforts created what history today calls the Holy Roman Empire. His descendants fought over the land, and most of it was divided between them. Charles of Aquitaine was given the western region; Louis of Bavaria took the east. This division created the separate nations of France and Germany that exist today.
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