A history of the first hundred years of Roman towns in France, Belgium, Holland, and parts of Germany and Switzerland, from Caesar to the death of Nero. Chapters look at the foundation of towns, their location, transport and communication, the relationship between towns and sanctuaries, and the role of the army, urban planning, the names of towns, and the appearance of Roman architectural styles in the provinces. The book constitutes a discussion and review of the evidence reflecting the territorial and political background; surprisingly it has neither figures, nor maps, nor photos.