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What is happening in France in 30BCE
By 120 BCE the Romans had conquered the Rhone valley and Mediterranean coast of Gaul, planting colonies there and introducing the Roman way of life to the inhabitants. The rest of Gaul remained divided amongst large and powerful Gallic tribes, and in the north east, by Belgic tribes of mixed Gallic-German origin.
The whole of Gaul was conquered by the Roman general Julius Caesar in a long drawn-out campaign between 58 and 50 BCE. Having pacified the region, Caesar formed the old Gallic tribes into self-governing communities, under their native aristocracies.
Augustus divided Gaul into four provinces. Of these, Narbonensis is well advanced in terms of Romanization, having been under Roman control for over one hundred years. Romanization is beginning to gather pace in the rest of Gaul. A network of roads has been built, and Italian merchants are busy integrating the region more closely into the Mediterranean trading system. Lugudunum (modern Lyons) is the leading city in the new provinces, and has a large number of Roman merchants settled there. Because of its historic status as a religious centre amongst the Gauls, it helps to radiate Roman influence over a wide area.
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What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 200CE
The Roman Empire has given much of Europe two centuries of peace and prosperity
Spain and Portugal history 200CE
Spain and Portugal have become thoroughly Romanized after centuries of Roman rule
Britain history 200CE
A Roman province now covers the southern half of the British Isles
Central Europe history 200CE
Central Europe is dominated by German and Sarmatian tribes
Africa history 200CE
All of North Africa is now part of the Roman empire, while to the south the Bantu migration continues
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 500CE
The western Roman empire has fallen to German invaders, but the eastern Roman empire remains intact
Britain history 500CE
The Roman province is no more, as is the Roman civilization which it nourished
Central Europe history 500CE
The rise and fall of the Huns has had a huge impact on this region
What else is happening in the rest of the world...
Europe history 750CE
Medieval Europe is beginning to emerge from the wreckage of the Ancient World.
Spain and Portugal history 750CE
Muslim forces from North Africa have conquered most of present-day Spain and Portugal.
Britain history 750CE
A collection of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms now covers most of present-day England, and the rest of the British Isles is home to numerous Celtic tribes and kingdoms
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