Roman Provincias > Provincia Gallia Narbonensis

Provincia Gallia Narbonensis

Background

Provincia Gallia Narbonensis, often simply referred to as Narbonensis, was a Roman province located in the southeastern part of modern-day France, corresponding roughly to the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and parts of Languedoc-Roussillon. Here's an overview of the province:

Conquest and Formation:

Gallia Narbonensis was established by the Roman Republic in 121 BCE after the defeat of the Celtic tribes in the region. It was named after its capital city, Narbo Martius (modern-day Narbonne), which was founded by the Romans in 118 BCE. The province was created as a reward for the Roman allies in southern Gaul who had supported Rome during the Roman conquest of Gaul led by Julius Caesar. It served as a buffer zone against the Celtic tribes further north.

Geography:

Gallia Narbonensis was bordered by the Pyrenees Mountains to the south, the Alps to the east, the Rhône River to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It encompassed diverse geographical features, including fertile plains, vineyards, coastal areas, and mountainous terrain.The region benefited from its Mediterranean climate, which supported agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grapes for wine production.

Urban Centers and Infrastructure:

Narbo Martius (Narbonne) served as the capital and largest city of Gallia Narbonensis. It was an important commercial and administrative center, boasting Roman monuments such as a forum, amphitheater, and aqueduct. Other significant cities in the province included Massilia (modern-day Marseille), Arelate (modern-day Arles), Nemausus (modern-day Nîmes), and Aquae Sextiae (modern-day Aix-en-Provence). These cities were connected by a network of roads, bridges, and aqueducts constructed by the Romans to facilitate communication and trade.

Economy and Resources:

Gallia Narbonensis was an economically prosperous region, known for its agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. The province produced a variety of crops, including grapes, olives, wheat, and barley, which were cultivated in the fertile plains and valleys. Wine production was a major industry in Narbonensis, with the province exporting wine to other parts of the Roman Empire. Other important economic activities included fishing, salt production, and manufacturing of pottery, textiles, and metalwork.

Culture and Society:

The population of Gallia Narbonensis was ethnically diverse, consisting of Roman settlers, indigenous Celts, Greeks, and other ethnic groups. Latin was the administrative language of the province, although Greek and indigenous languages may have also been spoken. Romanization had a significant impact on the culture and society of Gallia Narbonensis, with Roman customs, laws, and institutions gradually replacing indigenous traditions. Roman religious beliefs and practices coexisted with local cults and deities, and temples dedicated to Roman gods and goddesses were erected throughout the province.

Legacy and Decline:

Gallia Narbonensis remained under Roman rule until the decline of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. Following the Roman period, the region was ruled by various powers, including the Visigoths, the Franks, and later medieval and modern France. The legacy of Roman Gallia Narbonensis endures in its archaeological sites, monuments, and cultural heritage, which provide valuable insights into the history of the region and its interactions with the broader Roman Empire.

Roman Provincias

Roman Provincias List

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources