Gallia Transalpina
Gallia Transalpina, also known as Gallia Narbonensis, refers to a region of Southern France that was established as a Roman province following military campaigns in the late 2nd century BC. Initially annexed to support the Greek city of Massalia (modern-day Marseille) against Celtic threats, the territory expanded significantly under Roman rule. Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars (58–51 BC) further integrated this area into the Roman Empire, eventually leading to its division into three provinces—Belgica, Lugdunensis, and Aquitania—during the reign of Augustus. The region was characterized by its diverse cultures and significant military activity, evidenced by multiple uprisings against Roman authority, including notable rebellions in the late 1st century AD and the Bagaudae revolts in the 3rd century. Gallia Transalpina played a crucial role in the cultural and political landscape of Roman Gaul, showcasing the complexities of Roman provincial governance and interactions with local populations. The province's legacy remains influential in understanding the historical development of Southern France.
Subject Terms
Gallia Transalpina
(approximately France)
In support of their ally Massalia (Massilia, Marseille), when it was threatened by a Celtic coalition, the Romans intervened and annexed a belt of territory between the Alps and the Cebenna mountains (Cévennes; 121 BC), which subsequently, in enlarged form, became the province of Gallia Narbonensis. Julius Caesar, in the course of his Gallic Wars (58–51), annexed the rest of the country, which was known as Gallia Comata (long-haired) and was divided, in the time of Augustus, into the three provinces of Belgica, Lugdunensis and Aquitania (together with small Alpine provinces: see Gallia Cisalpina). Upper and Lower Germany were at first military districts attached administratively to Belgica, but under Domitian (cAD 90) they, too, became separate provinces. Rebellions in the country include those of Vindex against Nero in 68, the Gallo-German revolt of Civilis in 69/70, and the uprising of guerrillas (Bagaudae) under Aelianus and Amandus (283–86).