Avennio: Avignon in the Gallo-Roman period

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century

Under the name Avennio, Avignon became an important Rhône Valley town. Its remains are less visible than those of Orange or Arles, but excavations reveal its rich ancient past.

The Roman conquest of southern Gaul

During the second century BC, Rome’s intervention in southern Gaul’s conflicts strengthened its presence. Massalia sought help against the Salyens of Entremont. Roman campaigns gradually established lasting control over the region, incorporating Avignon.

Jupiter Serapis, Musée Lapidaire, Avignon © Vincent Flachaire

The conquest secured a land route between Italy and Spain. Narbonne was founded as a Roman colony in 118 BC. The Transalpine province later became known as Gallia Narbonensis. Roman rule faced setbacks: defeat near Orange in 105 BC was followed by Marius’s victories near Aix in 102 and at Vercellae in 101.

Gaulish prisoners, Arch of Carpentras © Vincent Flachaire

Boatmen on the Durance, Musée Lapidaire, Avignon © Vincent Flachaire

The development of Avennio

Pliny the Elder listed Avennio among towns with Latin rights. A monumental building programme developed in the Augustan period, particularly west of the Rocher des Doms. The town benefited from its position on the Rhône, a major trade route. These connections supported the town’s economic and administrative life.

Traces of the ancient town

Avignon’s subsoil preserves numerous ancient remains, some reused in later buildings. Changes during the papal period strongly shaped the town’s present appearance. The Musée Lapidaire collections offer another way to explore this past.

Roman cippus, Musée Lapidaire, Avignon © Vincent Flachaire

History of Avignon Prehistory Before Rome Gallo-Roman Avignon Late antiquity Early Middle Ages The medieval commune The papal move The papal court Western Schism Legates Wars of Religion Altera Roma Eighteenth century Union with France Napoleon Nineteenth century Twentieth century Early twenty-first century