History
The major stages of the country's history at a glance
A few milestones to place the major stages in the country's formation and transformation — not an exhaustive summary of its history.
Antiquity
The territory of present-day France was inhabited by Celtic peoples (the Gauls) before being incorporated into the Roman Empire from the 1st century BC.
Milestones
52 BC
Battle of Alesia
Vercingetorix is defeated by Julius Caesar, marking the gradual incorporation of Gaul into the Roman Empire.
1st – 5th century
Roman Gaul
Romanisation of the territory: towns, roads, law and the Latin language lay lasting foundations, especially for the language.