The Romans were here for the duration of the Roman Empire, right up through the fall of Rome. After the fall of Rome, the Visigoths arrive, followed by the Saracens, who didn't last very long. By about AD 700 the Franks came in, removed the Saracens and took over. It became the capital of Provence, and beyond Provence into parts of Burgundy. So Arles was of the regional capital, most important city in this whole area.