Praetorian prefecture of Gaul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Praetorian prefecture of the Gauls
Praefectura praetorio Galliarum
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| Praet. Prefecture of the Western Roman Empire | |
| 337-477 510-536 |
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 Praetorian Prefectures of the Roman Empire (395) |
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| Capital | Augusta Treverorum (until 395/407) Arelate (from 395/407) |
| Historical era | Late Antiquity |
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• Established
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337 |
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• Conquest of Provence by the Visigoths
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477 |
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• Re-established by the Ostrogoths
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510 |
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• Fall of Provence to the Franks
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536 |
| Political subdivisions | Diocese of Gaul Diocese of Britain Diocese of Spain Diocese of the Seven Provinces |
The Praetorian Prefecture of Gaul was a very large part of the Late Roman Empire. It was one of four main "prefectures" that the huge Roman Empire was divided into. Think of it like a big administrative region.
Contents
What Was the Prefecture of Gaul?
This prefecture was a major administrative area in the Western Roman Empire. It was governed by a special official called a praetorian prefect. This prefect was like a chief helper or top manager for the emperor in that region.
History of the Prefecture
How It Started
The Prefecture of Gaul was created around the year 337 AD. This happened after the death of Constantine I, a famous Roman Emperor. His sons divided the empire among themselves. Constantine II took control of the western parts. He then had a praetorian prefect to help him rule this large area.
Its Huge Territory
The Prefecture of Gaul was much bigger than just the area we call France today (which was Roman Gaul). It also included:
- Roman Britain (modern-day England and Wales)
- Spain
- Mauretania Tingitana (a part of North Africa)
This huge area was quite similar to a short-lived empire called the Gallic Empire from the 260s.
Changes Over Time
In 395 AD, the Roman Empire was permanently split into two parts: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. The Prefecture of Gaul became a part of the Western Roman Empire.
At first, the main city and capital of the prefecture was Augusta Treverorum. Today, this city is known as Trier in Germany. However, around 407 AD (or possibly 395 AD), the capital was moved. The new capital became Arelate, which is now Arles in France.
The End of the Prefecture
The prefecture continued to operate until 477 AD. By this time, the Western Roman Empire was falling apart. The last parts of the prefecture were taken over by the Visigoths. This happened shortly after the Western Roman imperial government in Ravenna officially ended in 476 AD.
A Short Comeback
In 510 AD, the Prefecture of Gaul had a brief return. Theodoric the Great, the king of the Ostrogoths, re-established it. He had just conquered a small part of Gaul called Provence. The capital was once again Arelate.
However, this revival did not last long. In 536 AD, the Franks conquered this area. The Ostrogoths were busy fighting the East Roman invasion of Italy at the time. This marked the final end of the Praetorian Prefecture of Gaul.
See also
In Spanish: Prefectura del pretorio de las Galias para niños
