58 BC - 481 AD
Roman conquest of Celtic Gaul. Gallo-Roman civilization.
481-987
Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties. Sweeping invasions from the east. Hugh Capet, elected King of France, founds the Capetian dynasty.
11th-13th centuries
Development of agriculture and trade. Emergence of towns. Royal power gains ground over feudal lords. Economic and cultural role of the great monastic orders. Crusades.