Toulouse is an ancient city as its origins found in the eighth century BC. The city is located in the largest region of Midi-Pyrenees. Merovingians, Frankish, Visigoths, and Romans influenced the rich history of the city of Toulouse during the Middle Ages to the Modern Times. It has been the center of numerous historic events that contribute to the city today. The pink city is named after the buildings and bricks found in Toulouse represent that era.
The beginning of the city
Volques tectosages was known for the first inhabitants in Toulouse. They lived in the hills, in the south of the city around the 8th century BC. Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Tolosa was the trade center. Volques Tectosages allied with the Roman armies and then establish their own first forces fort near the city.
In 109 BC, the invasions of Barbarians were used by the Volques Tectosages to rebel against the Romans. During the dukedom of Julius Caesar, Tolosa was changed into an authentic Roman city, incorporated into the Roman Empire.
In 10 AD, the city was moved and expanded further to the north. The buildings were made from clay bricks made it a genuine Roman city look. Tolosa didn’t have any damage during the invasions make it the fourth of the largest city of the Roman Empire.
Just 3 years after beating Roman, Visigoth took over Toulouse. In 418, the Visigoths were given Aquitania region, however, Visigoth then chose Tolouse to be the capital city of Visigoths. This conquest marked the ending of the Roman power over the city.
In the sixth century, Franks who marched from Germany confronted the kingdom of Visigoths quickly. In the end, Visigoths were defeated and they had to withdraw their Hispanic domination. During the sixth and seventh centuries of the dark period, the Frankish dominion was powerless that lead to a decline.
After the decline of Visigoths, Merovingians then took over Frankish, but they could not strengthen the kingdom either, made the power changed to local organizations. In the thirteenth century, the ideology of Cathar started growing in Toulouse. This religion was denied by Catholicism as the foremost religion.
The city rebirth
After struggling from various disasters, Toulouse reached its golden era, named the Pastel era from 1463 until 1560. The Pastels were widely produced and transformed them into coloring for fabric and clothes. Throughout 1562, religious wars between Catholics and Huguenots were something usual in Toulouse. In 1600, the war was stopped by the Edict of Nantes publication. However, the war tension was still remaining the same. In 1632 the city was able to build twp huge construction projects Pont Neuf Bridge along with the Canal du Midi that was completed in 1682.
Toulouse nowadays
Toulouse is well known as a popular tourist destination in the south of France. It cultivates the dimension of architecture with some notable museums. The heritage of ancient eras represents how the city looks like. Also check places to eat when in Toulouse