v08_0864 - MASSALIA - MARSEILLES Bronze au taureau passant

MASSALIA - MARSEILLE

(90-49 BC)

The first century BC marks the decline of the Phocaean city. Privileged ally of the Romans, Marseille has, thanks to them, succeeded in imposing its power in the Marseille hinterland. The Romans by stopping the Cimbrians and the Teutons saved the south of Gaul from invasions. From 118 BC, the situation changed, the Provincia became a Roman province. Marseille merchants compete with Roman traders in Spain, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Marseille at the time of the fratricidal struggle between Caesar and Pompey has the misfortune to choose the second against the first. The siege of Marseille put an end to the independence of the Marseille city in 49 BC..