Rennes is the capital of the région of Brittany, in France. It has a long history due to its location at a confluent of 2 rivers.
The armorican people of Redones founded Condate (ancient Celtic word meaning confluent), at the confluence of the Ille and Vilaine rivers and made it their capital.
Roman era
In the Roman era, Condate became Condate Riedonum, capital of « civitas riedonum »
The oldest known rennais is Titus Flavius Postuminus , known for his steles found in Rennes in 1968. As indicated by his name, he would’ve been born under the Flavian dynasty et under the reign of Titus, i.e. between 79 and 81 AD. One of the steles tell us, in Latin, that he took charge over all the public affairs in his state (Civitas Riedonum). He was twice duumvir and flamine for life for Mars Mullo
During the Roman era, the strategic position of the town contributed to its importance. To the west the principal Roman route spread from Condate to Vorgium (nowadays at Carhaix ) via Osismii .
In the year 275, the threat of barbarians led to the erection of a robust brick wall around Rennes. Rennes became known as the « red town ».
Once threatened by the danger of bagaudes at the end of the Roman Empire, the Armorican peninsula , including Brittany and therfore Rennes, made up the last of the stronghold of the western Roman Empire. The invincible Armorican Romans held their ground against Clovis I, who occupied most of Alamans , then the Wisigoths . Melaine , the bishop of Rennes, played an important role in the peace treaty between the Franks and the Armoricans in the year 497. He famously declared'"Il faut faire la paix entre chrétiens" (Peace must be made between Chrsitians).
