The history of Nimes comprises 2000 years of ups and downs of the French city. This long history can be broadly classified into: Early History of Nimes, The Gallo-Roman Period in Nimes History, Nimes History from 4th to 17th century and Modern History of Nimes
The history of Nimes dates back 2000 years. Various prehistoric people through the Bronze Age inhabited the region. The city of Nimes was originally known as Nemausus. It was one of the major towns of the Roman crown. Nimes was situated on the Via Domitia, which was a Roman road that linked Italy to Spain and was built during the 118 BC. The symbol used by the city of Nimes represents a crocodile tied to a palm tree with the inscription 'COLNEM'. It stands for 'Colonia Nemausus', which means the 'colony' or 'settlement' of Nemausus.
The long and colorful Nimes history can be broadly classified into four periods:
Early History of Nimes
The history of Nimes begins thousand of centuries back from the Neolithic period. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of semi nomadic cultivators in this city from 4000 to 3,500 BC. The site called Serre Paradis in Nimes developed during the New Stone Age (Neolithic). The limestone monolith, La Poudriere constructed around 2500 BC, is considered to be the oldest monument of the city. From 1800 to 1 BC, during the Bronze Age the village developed in a planned way and huts were constructed.
During 600 BC to 49 BC, Mt. Cavalier became the main area of administration, laying the foundations of the city. In between the 3rd and 2nd century BC a wall was constructed, meeting at the apex by a dry-stone tower, that was later included into the structure of The Tour Magne. Nimes regained its autonomy under the rule of Rome after the Wars of Gaul and the fall of Marseille (49 BC).
The Gallo-Roman Period in Nimes History
Before 28 BC, Nimes became a colony of Roman Empire. The best testimony of the fact is the earliest coins embossed with NEM.COL, meaning "Colony of Nemausus". One of the rulers, who made a major contribution in the development of Nimes, is Augustus. He made the city the capital of the Narbonne province.
Augustus imparted the city a glorious look with a fortification of six kilometres including fourteen towers. The two gates, the Porte Auguste and the Porte de France that were constructed during the reign of Augustus can be seen even today. He built a number of
|
monuments, which were destroyed through the course of time. The existence of these structures is recognized from inscriptions or architectural remains that are excavated by archaeologists. It is known that Nimes was a well-planned city with a gymnasium, a civil basilica, a curia, and also a circus. The famous amphitheatre of the city was constructed in the second half of the 2nd century AD.
Nimes History from 4th to 17th Century
The Barbarians, comprising of the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, and Burgunds, plundered the empire. This resulted in the decline of prosperity of the establishment. Christianity that had been founded in Gaul since the 1st century gradually took a strong foothold across the region. In AD 710, Spanish Moors invaded the empire that lasted for more than 40 years. Pepin the Short crushed these raids and finally in 754 the trouble came to an end. The local powers of the city established themselves in the amphitheatre.
The Carolingian rule was comparatively peaceful. In the 12th century, the feudal period introduced power struggle among the locals that lasted until the rule of St Louis IX. Despite the disturbances the city prospered specially in the field of commerce and industry. With the sincere efforts of St. Louis, the region of Languedoc became a base of Royal power, which resulted in the transfer of the rule of the region directly under the King of France.
The 14th and 15th centuries were again a period of turmoil for the Rhône Valley. Sequence of invasions badly destroyed the economy and resulted in famine, religious clashes and epidemics.
The bad days came to an end in the seventeenth century, which brought about prosperity for the city of Nimes. The silk and textile industry played a major role in the economy of the city. During this age, there was also a steep growth in the population rising from 21,000 to 50,000 people.
Modern History of Nimes
The city of Nimes was hit by the European economic crisis very adversely. The Revolutionary period gave rise to political and religious antagonism in the region. The White Terror carried out by the revolutionaries led to murder, plunder and arson till 1815. In the 19th century, order was restored and gradually Nimes became the metropolis of Bas-Languedoc. Diversified industries were established in the region. Textile industry grew and later wine industry also flourished in Nimes. In the 20th century wine industry contributed a major portion of the economy of the city.
|
