Augustodurum, Beauce
Bayeux is a historic town located in the Normandy region of northwestern France.
According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the city was built by Bedivere’s great-grandfather. Bedivere was buried here after his death in the Roman war. The Alliterative Morte Arthure transfers this to Bayonne.
Bayeux | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period
The area that would later become Bayeux was likely inhabited during Roman times. Roman presence in Gaul (ancient France) included the establishment of settlements and infrastructure. Archaeological evidence suggests Roman influence in the region.
Early Medieval Period | 5th – 8th centuries
With the decline of Roman influence in Western Europe and the onset of the Migration Period, the region experienced changes in population and governance. The Franks, a Germanic tribe, played a significant role in the region’s political landscape.
Viking Incursions and Norse Settlements
During the ninth century, Viking raids and invasions became a prominent feature of European history. The Vikings, also known as Norsemen, targeted coastal and riverine areas, including parts of what is now Normandy. These incursions contributed to political instability and the reorganization of territories.
As Viking established settlements in the region, including the area that would become Normandy, they integrated with the local population. This process eventually led to the formation of the Duchy of Normandy in the tenth century.
Bayeux Tapestry
One of the town’s most famous attractions is the Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable embroidered cloth that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest, including the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry is nearly 70 meters long and is displayed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
Source
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155