Martigues was first the site of several Gallic oppida as evidenced by many vestiges (Saint-Pierre, L'Île, and further north SaintBlaise) but it was during the Gallo-Roman period that it is attested under the name of Maritima Avaticorum.

 

It is in 1581 that the city takes its current name with the act of union signed to put an end to the rivalries between Jonquières, L'Île and Ferrières, but also to face a context marked by the plague and the wars of religion. . The rise of Martigues in the 17th century is linked to the development of maritime activities (fishing, trading and shipbuilding) which allows its port to compete in tonnage with that of Marseille.

This economic heyday allowed the city to beautify itself with the proliferation of religious buildings, enlarged or rebuilt. The prosperous period ended with the economic decline of the city for the benefit of Marseille, the plague of 1720 decimated the population which reached its lowest level.

Despite the installation of a few welders using salt from the Bouc and Ferrières salt flats, it was not until the development of the canal from Arles to Marseille via the Etang de Berre (1919-1930) for the long-awaited development to take place. . At the same time, the population is increasing and the city has acquired many public facilities such as the Félix Ziem museum, the Louis Aragon media library, La Halle, the Salins theater ... Its reasoned town planning gives it a living environment that is popular with the inhabitants of the area. fourth city of Bouches-du-Rhône.

 

 

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