The Greeks first tried to settle in Celtic Gaul and managed to establisha small colony in Marseille in 600 BC. Then it was the turn of theRomans, lead by Julius Caesar, who entirely invaded Gaul during theGallic Wars (58-51 BC). The Romans brought unity and peace for twocenturies of Pax Romana during which agriculture, cattle-breeding andurban development were greatly improved.
During the 2nd century AC, Romans brought Christianity into Gaul and bythe third century, the power of the Roman Empire had begun its decline.The 4th century started with Barbarian invaders from the East such as theFranks, the Vandals and the Visigoths. Clovis, King of the Franks,converted to christianity and his power brought unity to Gaul, startingthe Merovingian dynasty