/ Nîmes amphitheatre © Vincent FlachaireThe Pax Romana encouraged a long period of economic development. The region became increasingly Roman: Latin spread, trade flourished and towns grew. Following Rome's example, cities developed around a forum and acquired baths, amphitheatres and theatres.
Roman times left many remains in Arles, Nîmes, Orange, Glanum and Vaison-la-Romaine. The Pont du Gard, a remarkable engineering achievement, formed part of an aqueduct around fifty kilometres long that supplied Nîmes with water.
The crises of the third century affected the Roman Empire without ending the importance of its southern cities. In the fourth century, Arles enjoyed Constantine's favour and played a major political and economic role. Its monuments still bear witness to this long Roman history.
/ Roman theatre in Orange © Vincent Flachaire
/ Pont du Gard © Vincent Flachaire