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History of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer


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The village was noted as "Ra" in the 4th century AD by the Roman geographer Rufus Festus Avienus. In the 6th century, the archbishopric of Arles was active and created a monastery or church in the town, named St. Mary, a favourite of the fishermen. The village became known as Notre-Dame-de-Ratis (Our Lady of the Boat - RĂ¢ being used in ratis, or boat) in reference to the three Marys arriving by boat. (Droit, 1963, 19). The name was later changed to Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer (Our Lady of the Sea, a synonym for the Virgin Mary)
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