Empire romain, templiers, papes... - L'histoire du Vaucluse

The history of Vaucluse begins over 300,000 years ago during the Paleolithic period. Archaeological excavations in Courthézon, between Châteauneuf du Pape and Carpentras, revealed evidence of the first village in France, showing the transition from cave habitats to huts in plains.

• Romans built most major cities in the region including Carpentras, Avignon, Cavaillon, Apt, Vaison la Romaine, and Orange • The city of Orange (Arausio) was founded in 35 BCE by the second Gallic legion sent by future Emperor Augustus

• Arc d'Orange: A triumphal arch erected around year 20 to honor Roman general Germanicus • Ancient Theatre: Built during Emperor Hadrian's reign, could accommodate 40,000 people and remains one of the world's best preserved, still hosting 10,000 spectators today

The theatre hosted composer Hans Zimmer in 2016, demonstrating the site's continued cultural significance as a venue for major performances.

• Founded in 1120, originally called the Poor Knights militia of Christ and the Temple of Solomon • Monk-soldiers and knights dedicated to defending pilgrims returning from the Holy Land

From 1128, Templars traveled across Europe to recruit soldiers and solicit donations to finance the Crusades. Land was bequeathed to them, particularly in Richerenches by Lord Hughes of Bourbouton, where they established a major commandery.

The Richerenches commandery became one of Provence's most important, with Templars remodeling the landscape by building a large farm devoted to agriculture, breeding horses and sheep to generate wealth for Crusades.

• In 1307, King Philip the Fair arrested all Templars with Pope Clement V's help, leading to the order's dissolution by the Council of Vienna • The commandery was gradually abandoned until repopulation in the early 16th century • Today, the old Templar barn and lower church remain as witnesses to this era

• The Venaissin County was created in 1274 as a pontifical state, covering most of current Vaucluse with exceptions: Orange County and independent Avignon • Pope Clement V settled in Avignon while Rome faced conflict with Venice, making France a safer location

Cardinals took over two years to elect John XXII as pope in 1305, who was 72 years old and expected to be a transitional pope. He remained unexpectedly tough and ruled for nearly 18 years, transforming Avignon into the first true pontifical palace.

• Benedict XII, successor to John XXII, commissioned construction of the Popes' Palace starting in 1340 under architect Pierre Poisson • Clement VI purchased the city outright from Queen Jeanne of Naples in 1348, making Avignon a papal state

Avignon experienced great prosperity and became renowned for attracting major artists of the time, including painters Simone Martini and Matteo Giovannetti, and famous Italian poet Petrarch.

After Gregory XI's death, cardinals elected Italian Pope Urban VI and separately French Pope Clement VII. Urban VI remained in Rome while Clement VII returned to Avignon, creating the Western Schism that would divide Christendom for nearly 40 years.

• France of Valois, Scotland, and Iberian states supported Clement VII in Avignon • Italy, England, Scandinavia, and Central Europe preferred Urban VI in Rome

The Council of Pisa in 1409 attempted to resolve the crisis by electing a third pope, Alexander V, but was not recognized by the other two popes, creating further confusion.

The Council of Constance (1415-1418) ended the schism by electing Martin V as the sole recognized pope in all the West, marking the end of papal residency in Avignon.

• In the 13th century, the Christian Church positioned itself against Judaism, viewing Jews as being in error and needing conversion • The Council of Lateran in 1215 imposed the wearing of a yellow rouelle (badge) on Jews, foreshadowing later Nazi persecution

Jews were gradually removed from social life through prohibitions: restricted from practicing certain professions, owning land, and healing Christians. In 1394, Charles VI the Mad excluded them from the Kingdom of France entirely.

The Comtat Venaissin, belonging to the Church rather than the French Crown, tolerated Jews who took refuge there. They were heavily taxed and exploited, becoming known as the Jews of the Pope.

• In 1624, Jews were confined to four segregated neighborhoods called Carrés in Avignon, Cavaillon, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Carpentras • Each measured only 100 meters, with Christian doorkeepers closing doors each evening • 1,500-2,000 people were born, married, raised children, and died in these confined spaces • The French Revolution on January 28, 1790 granted Avignon's Jews recognition as French citizens, enabling exodus to Provence and Languedoc

In 1720, a merchant ship arrived at Marseille's port carrying contaminated fabrics and silks that spread plague throughout the region.

The Comtat Venaissin authorities built a wall of dry stones, standing 1 meter 90 centimeters high and stretching nearly 27 kilometers. Nearly 500 men participated in the five-month construction project.

Despite protective efforts, plague was declared in Avignon shortly after the wall's completion and raged for months throughout the region, resulting in approximately 126,000 deaths across Provence, Languedoc, and Comtat Venaissin.

The plague wall still stands today, though reduced from its original height, serving as a historical monument to this devastating epidemic.

• The French Revolution of 1789 completely reorganized the old Kingdom of France's political and economic structure • In January 1790, France was divided into departments • Avignon expelled the papal vice-legate and claimed attachment to France, while Carpentras initially remained favorable to the pope

In 1793, the National Assembly voted to create the 87th department, named Vaucluse. This department was much smaller than others and uniquely featured an enclave—a piece of territory within another department.

The department brought together Avignon, Carpentras, Orange, and Cavaillon, with the addition of the Valréas canton, an enclave that was originally purchased by Pope John XXII.

A significant portion of Avignon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the region's beautiful landscape and rich history make it a major tourist destination.