AVIGNON 183

A little of History

The first tracks of civilization in the region of Avignon raise to 5 ° millennium before Jesus Christ. But 6 ° century

Avignon shelters an important Gallic city which is allowed penetrate by the Hellenic civilization.

Under the Roman occupation Avenio becomes, thanks to Au-guste, a rich and prosperous city.

Because of the big invasions, with the discord of a part of his population Avignon is connected with the frank realm of Bur-gundy.

It will be under the custody of buckwheat to be resumed by Charles Martel towards 735. But in 932 Avignon is an impor-tant fortified town of the Realm of Arles which is connected with the Germanic empire in 1033 under Conrad II.

By 1160 it becomes a free municipality steered by consuls. In this time Avignon is at the top of its wealth and of its power.

Allied to the Count of Toulouse during the crusade of Al-bigeois, Avignon passes under the authority of the count of Anjou and king of France whereas Comtat Venaissin is given to the church.

From 1309, The popes settle down in Avignon, which becomes quoted from the church until the French revolution in 1790. Avignon is during this period under the custody of the church and Realm of France.

Since 1815, Avignon has been a big agricultural centre.

Frederic Mistral Avignon's homeland will give one itself a cultural vocation of reappointed international thanks to its festival.

In 21 ° century, Avignon found the wealth and reappointed that it had in the time when it was a republic.