Importance of Cities in Reflecting and Shaping Societal Views

Cities were not merely living spaces; they were reflections of societal beliefs and power structures. Roman cities in Gaul evolved from preexisting settlements called Opida, which were fortified sites serving political, religious, and economic functions. After the Roman conquest, these Opida transformed into towns and cities mirroring Roman urban structures. The process of Gauls becoming Roman was complex and gradual, challenging the notion of swift cultural adoption. Despite the debate on Romanization, cities played a pivotal role in this transformative journey.