Celtic-Ligurian oppidum, the site of Arles is frequented by merchants Mediterranean. With the founding of Marseilles (600 BC.), The city is organized in the late fifth century BC. BC first in emporion Greek colony then called Théliné19. When pushed Celtic early fourth century BC. AD, the city comes under the domination Aboriginal and resumed the name Arelate. During the second century BC. AD, the conflicts between Marseille and the confederation Salyens to cause significant damage the city. After the crushing of the Confederacy in 122 BC. BC, the Romans settled in Provence. Arles is probably linked to Narbonne Gaul, founded in 118 BC. AD, although some historians from that time include the city of Arles in the influence area of Marseille.
Map of Europe in 476 with the Visigothic Provence, after the fall of the Roman Empire
Arguing in 49 BC. BC Julius Caesar against Marseille, Arles is rewarded and became a Roman colony from 46 BC. AD. His initial fortune dates from that period. It has for almost three centuries of several successive town planning during which she embellished with its many monuments and protects itself with its ramparts. Christianity moved into the city and its first bishop historically known Marcianus, was first mentioned in 254 in a letter of St. Cyprian. After the destruction of the years 250-270, which tradition attributes to historical Alemanni, urban development not resumed until the early fourth century under Emperor Constantine, with a new political and administrative growth, the city then becomes a home the emperor. He stayed there several times and it holds the council of 314. Probably in 407, the imperial administration moves the praetorian prefecture of Gaul previously located in Trier, Arles, which therefore knows a renaissance political and ecclesiastical exactly a century after Constantine I. However, this new role does not exclude the threat of invasions Federated Visigoths in Aquitaine from 418. Finally, after many attempts, Arles is made by and becomes Euric Visigothic city in 476.