Vaison-la-Romaine
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Vaison-la-Romaine seen from high in the medieval town
Roman bridge over the Ouvèze
Roman excavations in Vaison
Vaison-la-Romaine (Latin: Vasio Vocontiorum) is a charming and interesting town in Provence. It is part of a commune of the same name, in the Vaucluse département, a part of the ancient French province of Comtat Venaissin.
Population : 5986 (1999)
History
The area was inhabited from the Bronze Age. The first known inabitants were Ligurians. At the end of the fourth century BCE, Vaison became the capital of a Celtic tribe, the Vocontii. After the Roman conquest (125-118 BCE) the Vocontii had two capitals, Luc-in-Diois and Vaison. In the Roman period it became one of the richest cities of Gallia Narbonensis.
The barbarian invasions of the fourthand fifth centuries CE destroyed the city. At disturbed times of the Middle Ages, the inhabitants emigrated to the higher ground on the left bank of Ouvèze, with the shelter of the ramparts and a strong castle. From the 18th century most of the population had moved back down to the plains by the river.
Sights
One of the most interesting aspects of the town is its geography, and its Roman ruins. The Roman ruins and the modern town are in the valley on the banks of the river Ouvèze. The medieval town is high on the rocky cliff. The valley floor was safe from attack in Roman times, and in modern times. During the Middle Ages, attacks were frequent, and the town retreated up the hill to a more defensible position.
See also
External links
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