France

Metropolitan France, known for its rich history, was initially settled during the Iron Age by Celtic tribes referred to as the Gauls. These tribes established a vibrant culture that flourished until the area was annexed by the Roman Empire in 51 BC. This annexation integrated the Gauls into a broader Gallo-Roman civilization, which blended indigenous Celtic traditions with Roman customs, architecture, and governance, significantly influencing the cultural landscape of the region.

As the Roman Empire began to decline, the Early Middle Ages saw the rise of the Franks, a Germanic tribe that united much of what is now modern-day France. The Franks established the kingdom of Francia, which became the core of the Carolingian Empire under the leadership of Charlemagne. His reign marked a pivotal era that sought to revive learning and arts while consolidating power.