Rhodanus
The Rhône River is a significant waterway originating in the Alps and flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. Historically important, it has served as a crucial commercial route, especially following the establishment of the city of Massalia (modern-day Marseille) around 600 BC. The river's delta, described by ancient writers in varying numbers, was characterized by a marine marsh teeming with oysters and fish. After the Roman annexation of southern Gaul around 121 BC, the river's navigability was enhanced by the construction of the Fossae Marianae canal by Gaius Marius, which mitigated silt buildup and improved access to maritime trade.
This canal not only provided a revenue source through tolls for the city of Massalia but also helped establish the economic significance of Arelate (modern Arles), strategically located just above the Rhône delta. Throughout history, the Rhône has also served as a political boundary within the Roman Empire, delineating territories such as Narbonensis Prima and Viennensis. Its tributaries, including the Durance, Isère, and Saône, further contribute to its importance, both geographically and economically. The Rhône River stands as a vital artery for trade and cultural exchange, with a rich history that reflects the development of the surrounding regions.
Rhodanus
(Rhône), River
Starting in the Alps, this is the principal river flowing into the Mediterranean. The mouths of its delta (variously described by anciant writers as two, three and five in number) were adjoined by a sea-water marsh, the Stamalimne, containing abundant oysters and fish. The commercial access that the Rhône afforded to central and northern Gaul became important following the foundation, to the east of its delta, of Massalia (Massilia, Marseille, c 600 BC), of which the trade up the river contributed to the evolution of the Celtic La Tène culture. After southern Gaul became a Roman province (Gallia Narbonensis, c 121), Gaius Marius dug a canal (Fossae Marianae, Bras Mort, 104/3) to escape the silt that impeded access to the river from the sea, leading from the main stream (above the bar) to a point on the coast (west of Fos). Traces of the canal have been found by underwater exploration. It provided the Massalians, to whom it was handed over, with lucrative tolls, but above all it inaugurated the importance of Arelate (Arles), just above the Rhône delta. In the later empire the river was the boundary between the provinces of Narbonensis Prima and Viennensis. Its tributaries included the Druentia (Durance), Isara (Isère) and Arar (later Sauconna, now Saône). See alsoArausio, Arelate, Carpentorate, Lugdunum, Massalia, Nemausus, Valentia, Vienna.