Back to 1,000 BC

While human settlements existed on the coast in the Stone Age, recorded history begins around 1,000 BC with the Ligurians.  They were followed by Greek traders known as the Phoceans who founded Marseille, La Ciotat, Antibes and Nice.

Cesar named it "Provincia",  and the name stayed

In 125 BC the Romans invaded the region to establish a passage to their Iberian territories.  Their influence lasted six centuries and left visible traces today: Roman theaters in Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine, ruins of Roman baths in Nice.  Successive invasions swept the region but the Franks prevailed.   In the 10th century, the Counts of Provence emerged as rulers and introduced a period of prosperity that translated into a wealth of medieval architecture (cathedrals of Marseille and Arles).

Avignon becomes Roman Catholicism' Capital

Avignon had its period of glory in the 14th century when  Pope Clément V chose that city instead of Rome as his religious capital.  After various changes of powers, Provence became part of France in 1481, but the Nice area formed an alliance with the House of Savoy and remained “savoyard” until 1860, when it was brought under the French flag during the French Second Empire.  Marseille and Toulon were transformed into major ports in the 17th century.  During the French Revolution Provence, like the rest of the country, experienced local riots and massacres, and a state of lawlessness prevailed in certain Provence cities.  In Napoleonic times, Toulon was the starting point for France's Egyptian campaign.  On his return from Egypt Napoleon landed in Saint-Raphael, where a small pyramid still recalls the event.

Modern Times

PACA was not involved in the deadly battles of World War I but fared less well during World War II :  the Italians occupied the Riviera and as the Allied Forces approached from North Africa, the Germans built defensive posts on the beaches.  The American troops landed in August 1944 and freed Provence.