Gaul
ancient region, Europe
Also known as: Gallia, Gaule
Gaul, the region inhabited by the ancient Gauls, comprising modern-day France and parts of Belgium, western Germany, and northern Italy. A Celtic people, the Gauls lived in an agricultural society divided into several tribes ruled by a landed class. A brief treatment of Gaul follows. For full treatment, see France: Gaul. By the 5th century bce the Gauls had migrated south from the Rhine River valley to the Mediterranean coast. By the middle of the...