Aquitania, Lugdunensis, and Belgica

In the provinces of Aquitania, Lugdunensis, and Belgica, the process of Romanization caused considerable internal distress in Gallic society. Between 58–50 bc, Julius Caesar conquered central and northern Gaul, organizing the conquered territories into three provinces:

• Aquitania, along the western coast of France;

• Lugdunensis, extending from northwestern France to the northern border of Narbonensis and north of Aquitania;

• Belgica, including northern France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The indigenous Gauls, a Celtic people, resisted Romanization, which disestablished their traditional social order. They staged several insurrections against Roman rule in the late first century bc and the first century ad. The Gauls maintained a strong sense of Celtic distinction and declared their own empire (imperium Galliarum) during the civil wars of ad 69.

To incorporate these provinces into the empire, Roman authorities worked with the Gallic Julii, local elites who served as auxiliary commanders under Julius Caesar and Augustus. In exchange for their cooperation, Julii were granted citizenship and magistracies of towns, and they competed to preside over the imperial cult at Lugdunum (Lyon). The Roman villa also helped encourage Romanization among Gallic elites, who then extended the process to the lower classes. Celtic administration by chieftains and warrior-elites often continued, but these roles were now defined by Rome.