About sixty years before Christ, Julius Ccesar, in his wonderful career of western conquest, subdued these barbarous tribes, and introduced Eoman governors and colonists.

The newly-acquired region became of considerable commercial importance, and many splendid remains of Koman architecture attest its wealth and civili- zation.

Paris was, at that day, a considerable city, and Marseilles (Massilia) was even then a flourishing sea-port.

The country was held by its conquerors about as long as their other western possessions.

In the beginning of the fifth century, a tribe of Germans, called Franks (Freemen), led by their king, Phara- niond, established themselves in the northern part of France.