Vannes Port Morbihan in Bretagne |
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Vannes (Breton: Gwened) is a town and commune and capital of the Morbihan département, Bretagne région, western France. It is situated at the confluence of two streams forming the Vanne River, which opens into the virtually landlocked Gulf of Morbihan about 1 mile (1.5 km) below the town. A market centre, it has spread around the old walled town situated on a hill. The 13th–17th-century ramparts, linked by towers and gates, are well. In ancient times, the people of Vannes resisted the Roman invasion under Julius Caesar quite successfully. In fact, these Armoricans were a model for the fractious tribe of the Astérix comic book series. They were great sailors, and whenever they were threatened, they took to the sea. Caesar saw that he would have to dominate the water if he was ever to subdue them. He allied himself with the neighboring Namnete tribe (which gives its name to the city of Nantes) in order to gain the advantage. Under Roman rule, Vannes was known as Darioritum. The diocese of Vannes was erected in the 5th century. The Council of Vannes was held here in 461. The first historical ruler of Vannes was Waroch. More… |
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