The ancient name for France was GAUL, which was a region of Western Europe inhabited by Celtic tribes. The area was conquered by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC and became known as Gallia. The name GAUL is derived from the Latin word Galli, which means 'CELTS' or 'Gauls'. GAUL was divided into three parts: Aquitania, Belgica, and Celtica. GAUL was eventually absorbed into the Frankish Empire in the 5th century AD and became known as Francia.