Touraine is a historic region located in central France. Its situated in the Loire Valley and its natural beauty has earned Touraine the nickname “Garden of France.”
Hoel of Brittany conquered Touraine for Arthur.
Touraine | 1 century BC – 9th century AD
Gallo-Romano Period | 1st century BC – 5th century AD
Touraine, as part of Roman Gaul, was inhabited by Celtic tribes before Roman conquest. The Romans established their rule in the first century BC, and the region became integrated into the Roman Empire. Roman towns and infrastructure were developed, including road networks and aqueducts. The city of Tours (then called Caesarodunum) served as an important regional center during this period.
Barbarian Invasions | 5th century
The decline of the Western Roman Empire led to the incursions of various barbarian groups, including the Visigoths and the Huns. Touraine, like many parts of Gaul, was affected by these upheavals.
Frankish Rule | Late 5th century
The Franks, under the leadership of Clovis I, conquered much of Gaul, including Touraine, in the late fifth century. The region came under Frankish rule and was integrated into the Merovingian and later Carolingian Kingdoms. Tours became an important Christian center, and the Basilica of Saint Martin was established.
Carolingian Period | 8th – 9th centuries
During the Carolingian era, the region continued to be part of the Frankish Empire, which later became the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne. Tours played a significant role in the Christianization of the region, and Saint Martin of Tours was a prominent figure in spreading Christianity.
Sources
Brut | Layamon, late 12th century to mid-13th century
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400