Marseille has been called the oldest city in France, as it was founded in 600 BC by Greeks from Phoc
Marseille has been called the oldest city in France, as it was founded in 600 BC by Greeks from Phocaea. Taking advantage of the natural harbor, they founded the port Masillia, which was likely adapted from a local language now lost.The actual circumstances of Marseille’s founding have been lost in time, but the legend is so interesting it doesn’t really matter. 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 -- source link
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