Marseille, which can be called the oldest city in France, was founded in 600 BCE by Greeks from Phocaea as a trading port under the name Massalia.
The connection between Massalia and the Phoceans is mentioned in Book I, 13 of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.
The precise circumstances and date of founding remain obscure, but nevertheless a legend survives.
Protis, while exploring for a new trading outpost or emporion for Phocaea, discovered the Mediterranean cove of the Lacydon, fed by a freshwater stream and protected by two rocky promontories.
Protis was invited inland to a banquet held by the chief of the local Ligurian tribe for suitors seeking the hand of his daughter Gyptis in marriage.
At the end of the banquet, Gyptis presented the ceremonial cup of wine to Protis, indicating her unequivocal choice.
Following their marriage, they moved to the hill just to the north of the Lacydon; and from this settlement grew Massalia.
Massalia is one of the first Greek ports in Western Europe,growing to a population of over 1000.
It is the first settlement given city status in France.
Facing an opposing alliance of the Etruscans, Carthage and the Celts, the Greek colony allies itself with the expanding Roman Republic for protection.
This protectionist association brings aid in the event of future attacks, and perhaps equally important, it also brings the people of Massalia into the complex Roman market.
The city thrives by acting as a link between inland Gaul, hungry for Roman goods and wine (which Massalia is steadily exporting by 500 BCE), and Rome's insatiable need for new products and slaves.
Under this arrangement the city maintains its independence until the rise of Julius Caesar, when it joins the losing side (Pompey and the optimates) in civil war, and loses its independence in 49 BCE.
