The city of Arles, lying on the Rhône River, was founded around the 7th century BC. In the 4th century BC it was a Celtic town known as Arelate.
In Roman times it became one of the most important cities in France, and was known as "little Rome of Gaul". Many buildings were built including an Amphitheatre, Theatre, Cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries), baths of Constantine and the necropolis (cemetery) of Alyscamps.
During the early Middle Ages the city declined and was devastated, but it recovered in the 12th century.
The painter Vincent van Gogh produced, during his short stay in Arles, around 200 paintings between 1888 and 1889.