Valentia (city in Gallia Narbonensis)
Valentia, located in the region of Gallia Narbonensis (modern-day southern France), is an ancient city situated beside the Rhône River, just north of where it meets the Isère River. Originally a settlement of the Segovellauni tribe, Valentia became a Roman colony during the rule of Julius Caesar or Augustus. The city was strategically positioned at the intersection of major roads that facilitated travel and trade between northern and southern territories, as well as toward Italy.
In the later Roman Empire, Valentia fell under the province of Viennensis and became notable for having Saint Aemilian as its first Christian bishop during the 4th century. The city experienced significant military events, including sieges during the usurpations of Constantine III and later Jovinus, highlighting its importance in the tumultuous power struggles of the era. Valentia also hosted a colony of Alans in 440 and had interactions with Attila the Hun, who briefly entered the city before retreating after a significant defeat.
Today, the remnants of Valentia's ancient past are reflected in the layout of the modern town, including visible walls, a theater, and an amphitheater, as well as a 4th-century Christian baptistery adorned with mosaics, showcasing its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Subject Terms
Valentia (city in Gallia Narbonensis)
(Valence)
A city in Gallia Narbonensis (Drôme, southern France), beside the river Rhodanus (Rhône), just north of its confluence with the Isara (Isère). Formerly a town of the Segovellauni, Valentia became a Roman colony under Julius Caesar or Augustus, and was situated at the point where the road from north to south built by the latter's general Marcus Agrippa was met by a highway leading in an easterly direction toward Italy. In the later empire, when Valentia belonged to the province of Viennensis, its first Christian bishop was Saint Aemilian (AD 362–74).
During the usurpation of Constantine III in the western provinces (407), Sarus, a Gothic general of the western emperor Honorius, besieged but failed to capture the city, which (according to Zosimus) was relieved by another German general, Gerontius, acting on the pretender's behalf. After the fall of Constantine III a further usurper, Jovinus, fled from the Visigoth Ataulf (who at this juncture supported the central Roman government) and took refuge in Valentia, which underwent a second siege and fell, whereupon Jovinus was captured and executed at Narbo (Narbonne). In 440 the western Roman general Aetius, as Prosper records, settled a colony of barbarians (Alans) at Valentia, and in 451 they agreed to admit Attila the Hun within the walls; after his defeat on the Campi Catalaunii, however, he withdrew from the town and from Gaul. In 473/4 Valentia was one of the cities ravaged by King Euric after his declaration of an independent Visigothic state.
The old quarter of the modern town retains the outline of the ancient grid plan, and remains of the walls and of a theater and amphitheater (?) have come to light. A cruciform Christian baptistery, built in the fourth century round an octagonal pool, was adorned with mosaics c 500 and subsequently converted into a chapel.