Marseille history

Marseille, one of the oldest cities in France, boasts a rich history dating back to antiquity. Its foundation and development are inextricably linked to the sea, trade, and its strategic position at the crossroads of civilizations.

The city was founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from the city of Phocaea in Asia Minor. It was originally named Massalia and became one of the first Greek ports in Western Europe. Legend connects the founding of the city to the love story of the Greek Protis and Gyptis, the daughter of a local Ligurian king.

• Geography: Marseille was established in a natural bay, protected from winds, which created ideal conditions for navigation and the development of a port.
• Trade: From the very beginning, Massalia became a thriving commercial hub. It served as an important intermediary in trade between the Greek world and the tribes of inland Gaul, acting as a commercial rival to Carthage. The city exported wine and ceramics, while importing metals and other goods.
• Political Power: For a long time, Massalia maintained its independence as a city-republic (polis), allowing it to develop its economy autonomously. Later, it became a loyal ally of Rome, which ensured its protection and stability, although this eventually led to the loss of independence after supporting Pompey in the civil war against Caesar.

As a Greek colony, Massalia was a center of Hellenic culture in the region. It facilitated the spread of the Greek language, art, and lifestyle into Gaul. The city's economy was entirely oriented towards the sea: shipbuilding, fishing, and, of course, maritime trade flourished, forming the basis of its wealth. The city even minted its own currency, testifying to its high economic status.

Key Milestones in the History of Marseille

• Around 600 BC — Greek colonists from Phocaea found the trading post of Massalia, which becomes one of the first cities on the territory of modern France.
• 49 BC — After supporting Pompey in the civil war, the city is captured by the troops of Julius Caesar, leading to the loss of independence and the beginning of the Roman period.
• 5th Century AD — The Abbey of Saint-Victor is founded, becoming one of the most important centers of Christianity in early medieval Gaul.
• 10th Century — The city comes under the rule of the Counts of Provence, contributing to its revival after a period of decline.
• Era of the Crusades (11th-13th Centuries) — Marseille becomes a key transit port for knights and pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land, significantly strengthening its commercial importance.
• 1481 — Marseille, along with the rest of Provence, officially joins the Kingdom of France.
• 1720-1722 — The city suffers a devastating epidemic known as the "Great Plague of Marseille," which claimed the lives of up to half the population.
• 1792 — A volunteer battalion from Marseille enters revolutionary Paris singing the "War Song of the Rhine Army," which soon becomes known as "La Marseillaise" and the future national anthem of France.
• 1869 — The opening of the Suez Canal gives a powerful boost to the development of the port, turning Marseille into France's main "gateway" to the colonies in North Africa and the East.
• 1942-1944 — During World War II, the city is occupied, and in January 1943, on the orders of the Nazis, the historic Panier district near the Old Port is blown up and completely destroyed.
• 1950s — Massive post-war reconstruction of the city begins, along with an active influx of immigrants from former French colonies.
• 2013 — Marseille is elected as the European Capital of Culture, contributing to the renewal of its infrastructure and cultural revival.

Key Factors in Marseille's Development

Instead of a simple list of dates, the history of Marseille is best understood through the prism of several key themes that have defined its unique character. These factors transformed an ancient port into the dynamic metropolis it is today.

Maritime Gateway of the Mediterranean. The fate of Marseille is inextricably linked to the sea. Founded as a Greek port, it has been a crucial trade hub for centuries. Its importance grew manifold in the Middle Ages when the city became a departure point for the Crusades. However, the true "Golden Age" arrived after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. This event turned Marseille into the "Gateway to the Empire," the primary port connecting France with its colonies in Africa and Asia, leading to unprecedented economic and industrial growth.

A Melting Pot of Cultures. Marseille is a city shaped by waves of migration. Its history began with Greeks and Romans, but its modern multicultural identity was formed in the 20th century. After World War II, a flow of immigrants from former French colonies, particularly from the Maghreb countries, arrived here. They brought with them their traditions, cuisine, and energy, which forever changed the social fabric of the city. Today, this diversity is felt everywhere: from bustling markets to colorful neighborhoods like Le Panier.

From Revolutionary Spirit to Cultural Renaissance. Marseille has always possessed an independent and rebellious character. It was from here that the song which became the anthem of France — "La Marseillaise" — arrived in revolutionary Paris. In recent times, this spirit has transformed into a drive for renewal. Starting in the 1990s, the ambitious urban planning project "Euroméditerranée" launched a massive reconstruction of old port and industrial zones. The culmination of this revival was the election of Marseille as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, which gave a powerful impulse to tourism development and the emergence of new iconic landmarks, affirming its status as an important cultural center in Europe.

The architectural landscape of Marseille is a vivid reflection of its 26-century history, where every era has left its mark. From ancient ruins to futuristic buildings, the city represents a true mosaic of styles, shaped by its role as a maritime gateway, periods of prosperity, and large-scale reconstructions.

From Antiquity to the Middle Ages

Although little remains from ancient Greek Massalia and the Roman period, the spirit of antiquity lives on in the oldest parts of the city. Medieval architecture is represented primarily by religious buildings. The brightest example is the Abbey of Saint-Victor, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in France. Its massive walls and austere forms are executed in the Romanesque style, resembling a fortress more than a monastery. Near the Old Port, one can also see the old cathedral, La Major (Vieille Major), which has also preserved features of Romanesque architecture.

The Era of Baroque and Classicism (17th-18th Centuries)

In the 17th century, Marseille was actively developed under the influence of Classicism and Baroque. A landmark structure of this era is the La Vieille Charité complex in the heart of the Panier district. Designed by Pierre Puget, it is a magnificent ensemble with a courtyard and an elegant chapel featuring an oval dome in the Italian Baroque style. The City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) on the quay of the Old Port is another fine example of this period.

Marseille's "Golden Age" (19th Century)

The 19th century was a time of unprecedented growth, reflected in the grandiose architecture of the Second Empire. The city was adorned with wide Haussmann-style boulevards, such as Rue de la République, and monumental structures in an eclectic style.

• Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde: The symbol of the city, crowning its highest hill. Built by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, it is executed in a lavish Romano-Byzantine style with characteristic domes, striped masonry, and golden mosaics.
• Palais Longchamp: A majestic ensemble erected to celebrate the completion of the Marseille Canal. This triumphal structure combines elements of Classicism and Baroque, and its wings house the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum.
• New Cathedral of La Major: Another massive project in the Romano-Byzantine style, striking for its size and striped façade of white and green stone.

Modernism and Contemporary Revival (20th-21st Centuries)

The 20th century brought modernist ideas to Marseille. The most iconic object of this period became the "Unité d'Habitation" (Cité Radieuse) — an experimental residential building designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier. This building, executed in the Brutalist style, has become an icon of modernist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, thanks to the "Euroméditerranée" reconstruction project, Marseille's architectural landscape was enriched with ultra-modern structures. The main symbol of this renewal became the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), designed by Rudy Ricciotti. Its intricate concrete façade, resembling lace, and pedestrian bridges connecting the museum to the historic Fort Saint-Jean, created a new, recognizable image for the waterfront.

Distinguished Figures Linked to Marseille

Marseille, being one of the oldest and most important cities in France, has given the world many talented individuals who have left a mark on politics, art, science, and sports. Their destinies and achievements are inextricably linked to the history and spirit of this Mediterranean metropolis.

• Pierre Puget (1620–1694) — Sculptor, architect, and painter of the Baroque era. Born and died in Marseille. Although Puget worked in other cities, it was in Marseille that he left a significant legacy and even developed a project for the city's redevelopment. His expressive and powerful sculptures, such as "Milo of Croton," contrasted sharply with the more restrained style of the Parisian school, making him one of the most original masters of his time.
• Adolphe Thiers (1797–1877) — Politician and historian. A native of Marseille, he played a key role in French politics of the 19th century. Thiers served as Prime Minister under the July Monarchy and became the first President of the Third Republic. He is also known as the author of fundamental works on the history of the French Revolution.
• Honoré Daumier (1808–1879) — Painter, sculptor, and caricaturist. Born in Marseille, Daumier became famous in Paris for his sharp political and social caricatures reflecting life in 19th-century France. He is considered one of the greatest masters of lithography and one of the first Realist artists, whose work had a huge influence on subsequent generations.
• Edmond Rostand (1868–1918) — Poet and playwright. Born in Marseille, where he spent his childhood. Rostand is one of the brightest representatives of Neo-Romanticism. His heroic comedy "Cyrano de Bergerac" brought him worldwide fame and remains one of the most popular plays in the global theatrical repertoire.
• Marcel Pagnol (1895–1974) — Playwright, novelist, and film director. Although born in nearby Aubagne, his life and work are inextricably linked to Marseille and Provence. Pagnol became famous for his renowned "Marseille Trilogy" ("Marius", "Fanny", "César"), in which he depicted the lives of the simple inhabitants of the port city with love and humor. He became the first filmmaker elected to the Académie française.
• Zinedine Zidane (born 1972) — Footballer and coach. Born and raised in Marseille, Zidane is considered one of the greatest footballers in history. As part of the French national team, he became a World Champion (1998) and European Champion (2000). His career, which began on the streets of Marseille, has become an inspiring example for millions of people around the world.