Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Prehistoric Man
Provence was inhabited from an exceptionally early age: primitive stone tools more than a
million years old were found near Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Neanderthal hunters occupied
the Mediterranean coast from about 90,000 BC to 40,000 BC, living in caves such as
Grottes de l'Observatoire in Monaco. Modern humans arrived with creative flair in 30,000
BC. The ornate wall paintings inside the decorated Grotte Cosquer, near Marseille, date
from 20,000 BC, while the outstanding collection of 30,000 petroglyphs decorating Mont
Bégo in the Vallée des Merveilles date back to 1800-1500 BC.
Archaeologists have found that the people living around Châteauneuf-les-Martigues,
northwest of Marseille, about 6000 to 4500 years ago were among the first ever to domest-
icate wild sheep, allowing them to shift from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle.
Greeks to Romans
Massalia (Marseille) was colonised around 600 BC by Greeks from Phocaea in Asia
Minor; from the 4th century BC they established more trading posts along the coast at An-
tipolis (Antibes), Olbia (Hyères), Athenopolis (St-Tropez), Nikaia (Nice), Monoïkos
(Monaco) and Glanum (near St-Rémy-de-Provence). They brought olives and grapevines
to the region.
While Hellenic civilisation was developing on the coast, the
Celts penetrated northern Provence. They mingled with ancient
Ligurians to create a Celto-Ligurian stronghold around En-
tremont; its influence extended as far south as Draguignan.
In 125 BC the Romans helped the Greeks defend Massalia
against invading Celto-Ligurians. Their victory marked the start
of the Gallo-Roman era and the creation of Provincia Gallia
Transalpina, the first Roman
provincia
(province), from which
the name Provence is derived.
Top Prehistoric
Sights
»Grottes de l'Observatoire,
Monaco
»Vallée des Merveilles
»Musée de la Préhistoire des
Gorges du Verdon
»Réserve Géologique de
Haute-Provence
