Ancient Gaul was a region in Western Europe that roughly corresponds to modern-day France, Belgium, and parts of Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. It was inhabited by various Celtic tribes known for their rich culture, art, and social structures. The region was divided into three main areas: Gallia Celtica, Gallia Narbonensis, and Gallia Belgica. In the 1st century BCE, Ancient Gaul came under the influence of the Roman Republic, culminating in the conquest led by Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars. This conquest transformed Gaul into a significant part of the Roman Empire, leading to the spread of Roman culture, language, and governance throughout the region.