Capital city of the Vaucluse département, France. It was the seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1378. Avignon is an ancient city situated on a cliff, the Rocher-des-Doms, on the east bank of the River Rhône overlooking the delta. The site first attracted settlers about 4000 bc. It became an important village for the Gallic tribe of Cavares, and by the 1st century bc it was named Avennio, meaning either ‘river city’ or ‘violent wind’ (from the frequent mistral winds). At this time it was taken by the Romans, and by Hadrian’s reign (ad 117–38) ‘Avenionsis’ had earned the title Civitas Romana. In the 3rd century a priest named Rufus founded the first Christian community just outside the city walls; the first Jewish community was established at about the same time. During the early Middle Ages Avignon’s strategic position made it the target of invasions by Visigoths, Muslims and others; the resulting Spanish and Arab influences have played a formative role in the literary and artistic culture of Provence. By the 10th century Avignon was part of the Holy Roman Empire; after the era of invasions ended, Avignon (and Provence in general) flourished as a major trade centre, especially during the 12th century. After the commune was established in ...