Discussion of the people who settled in France before the arrival of the Romans
Southern France had a favorable environment for the settlement of primate cave dwellers. Primitive people lived by hunting and gathering. Their culture has been called mega-lithic because they created huge monuments of stone. Prior to the arrival of the Romans, the most advanced peoples appeared on the coast of France. These were Greeks who established trading posts and ports. They were interested in tin, copper, and bronze. Nevertheless, these peoples were not satisfied with ports and trading ports. They started to establish cities and invade lands. Greeks created a prosperous nation and contributed to the rapid economic development of the French region. Greeks have significantly extended the trading routes to the north. Greeks introduced money and writing along with trading goods. Simultaneously with Greeks, Celts have invaded the interior of France. Unlike Greeks who brought trade and culture, Celts brought iron weapons, horses, and chariots. Greeks brought prosperity, while Celts became conquerors.
Discussion of the nature of Gallic society (600-50 B.C.)
Gallic society consisted of 15 million people who lived in Gaul prior to the Roman conquest. Despite the lack of unity, there was a centralized government and law. Power was held by the families of kings or by warrior aristocrats who were elected. Tribes lived in a permanent state of insecurity and unrest. Customs, social structures, and religion remained the same throughout Gaul. There were two dominating classes: the priests and the nobles. Such sciences as astronomy, medicine, and philosophy were very important for Gallic society. People lived in dwellings made of timber and branches covered with straw. The Gauls wore long shirts and trousers. Gauls were seen as brave, lively, gifted in speaking, unstable, and quarrelsome.
How was Gaul politically organized by the Romans both before and after the introduction of Christianity?
When Romans started their conquest of Gaul, they brought a new political system into the region. Domination was accepted because conquerors respected local customs and institutions. Romans gave titles to the ruling aristocracy and granted them extensive power in political affairs. Gallic states preserved their boundaries as well as local governments. Civitas, urban centers, was used to describe a territory of a people. Civitas was divided into provinces. Governors of civitas and provinces were elected and the post could not be inherited. This was the main difference brought by the Romans into the politics of Gauls. In addition, the Romans required worshiping of Rome and the emperor. With the introduction of Christianity, priests and bishops became the most important figures in the towns and urban centers. They held permanent positions and served as judges. Moreover, bishops had control over taxes and legacies.
What are the principal lasting effects of the Roman conquest of Gaul?
The Romans have transformed the society of Gaul. They brought cultural prosperity and economic development. The Roman contributed to the centralization of government and created the stability of the region. The introduction of Christianity cannot be underestimated as well. In other words, the Romans contributed to the development of the Gauls in terms of politics, economics, and culture. Prior to the Roman conquest, Gauls were politically divided and had no stability, while the Romans managed to unite the nation and provided it with the path to prosperity.