Les Martigues is now a prosperous city in France, with a population of 44, 256 people. Which makes it the fourth largest city in the Rhone delta? This picturesque city is also know as the Venice of Province and is part of the French Riviera. Les Martigues is an island which connects its three districts by bridges and canals, thus adding to its rich culture. It's home to an abundance of fishing, tourism, and more recently the petrochemical industry.
The first known society in Les Martigues, were prehistoric men who lived in caves. This is documented to have occurred nearly 10,000 years ago, making it the oldest traces of civilization in France.
About 4,000 years ago the first stone-built houses began to appear. This society created the Village Gaulois and embarked on the cultural roller coaster which eventually became Les Martigues. Then in 600 B.C. the Greeks took over and developed the land. It is believed that they chose this spot based on rich natural resources like the vine and the oil tree.
In the second century B.C. the city became a commercial headquarters, and sent fish and other resources to neighboring colonies. Eventually the Romans conquered the Province and Les Martigues became “Maritima Colonia.” With the turn of the century came an economic increase.
The objects that were excavated from the archeological sites of Martigues can be seen in the famous Musée Ziem. In most cases the artifacts date back before Jesus Christ, around 5000 BC.
While Les Martigues has become an important part of France's history, it has a vast history in itself. As the oldest and most beautiful city, it represents France's culture with enormous proportions. Not only does it house many natural resources, it is a tourist's dream, and economically secure, but it also represents France's rich history with numerous archeological sites and age old cathedrals.
References:
“Welcome to Martigues” Ville de Martigues. http://www.mairie-martigues.fr/site_us/decouvrir_martigues/cadres.htm
“Martigues” Province Web http://www.provenceweb.com/e/bouches/martigue/martigue.htm
“Martigues” http://www.propamedia.net/bouches-rhone/martigues.htm
Written by Lauren Freeland, 2003