Latin: Divodurum Meiomatricorum
Meyes, Moyses
Metz is a historic city located in the Lorraine region in northeastern France, near the borders of Germany and Luxembourg.
Arthur’s forces battled the Duke of Lorraine after the Roman War at Metz. Sir Priamus, a knight in Arthur’s service, killed the Marquis of Metz in the battle.
Metz | 0 to 800 AD
Roman Period | 1st century BC – 5th century AD
Metz was founded as a Celtic settlement before coming under Roman control in the first century BC. It became an important Roman city, located at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers, with the development of a thriving Roman urban center complete with temples, forums, and fortifications. Metz was a significant military and administrative hub during Roman rule and played a strategic role in the defense of the Roman Empire’s northern frontier.
Migration Period | 4th – 5th centuries AD
With the decline of the Roman Empire and the onset of the Migration Period, Metz, like other Roman cities, faced threats from various Germanic and barbarian tribes, including the Huns. The city changed hands several times during this turbulent period, as various groups sought control of the region.
Frankish and Merovingian Rule | 5th – 8th centuries AD
Metz came under Frankish control in the early fifth century and became part of the Frankish kingdom. During the Merovingian dynasty, Metz served as a royal residence and a center of administration under the Frankish kings. In the seventh century, under King Dagobert I, Metz became a significant ecclesiastical center. It was the seat of a bishopric and an important center for the spread of Christianity in the region.
Carolingian Empire | 8th century AD
In the eighth century, during the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne, Metz continued to play an important role as a political and cultural center. Charlemagne established an imperial palace in Metz, reflecting its status as a key city within the Carolingian Empire.
Sources
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470