Fundamentals: History Flashcards
Which people inhabited a significant portion of France in 1200 BCE?
The Celts; Indo-Europeans who originated in central Europe and expanded both eastward and westward.
What invention are the Celts credited with creating?
The watertight, rollable, stackable wooden cask for the storage and transport of foodstuffs, a vessel utilized as of 350 BCE.
Who established a colony called Massalia on the Mediterranean Coast of Celtic France in 600BCE?
The Phocaeans, Greeks from Asia Minor, with the goal being trade, not conquest. They introduced the grapevine.
The ancient Greek colony of Massalia is which modern day, port city?
Marseille
Why did the Greeks of Massalia ask Rome for protection by the 2nd century BCE?
The Carthaginians of North Africa, Etruscans of Italy and the local Celts were threatening their settlement.
Rome send its legionaiires, establishing its first province outside of the Italian peninsula, “Nostra Provincia” (modern-day Provence).
What name did the Romans refer to Celtic France by?
Gaul
What areas were parts of Gaul?
A chuck of land west of the Rhine stretching from the Pyrenees/Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel.
When and where had the Romans established vineyards in France?
- South-West France, Bordeaux, Bourgogne & Loire by the 1st century CE
- Alsace produced enough wine for export by the 2nd century
- Champagne under vine by the end of the 4th/beginning of the 5th century
How long did Rome impose order upon most of Gaul?
Close to 5 centuries.
Who slowly took power over Gaul after the fall of Rome?
Catholic Church; wine was integral to mass and monastic life.
Who invaded Gaul after the Rome Empire disintegrated completely?
The Franks, a confederation fo Germanic tribes hovering about the northern fringes of the old Roman Empire.
Who led the Franks in the invasion of Gaul in 481CE?
Clovis
What is the legend of Clovis?
Clovis made a deal with God that was brokered by Bishop Remi of Reims, Clovis would convert to Christianity if granted victory over his enemies. Bishop Remi blessed a cask of wine and told the future king that as long as the cask did not run dry he would be victorious in battle. The cask did not run dry and Clovis was, indeed, victorious. He was baptized in Reims, uniting most of Gaul under one rule and one official religion.
What novel tradition did Clovis initiate?
Of having men eat while sitting vs. in recline (as was the Roman custom), thus beginning a legacy of French “table” manners.
How did Clovis’ name live on?
In French royal circles for centuries to come. Its derivation, Louis, was the name of 18 French kings.
