A vicus is the Latin name given to a small agglomeration. In Gaulle, with the Gallo-Roman time, it often originated in a Gallic village of before the conquest.

The vicus is characterized by the functions that it occupe :

• relay of station on a Roman Way or situation with an intersection,
• regrouping of craftsmen and tradesmen for a rural sector, place of market,
• place of worship by its temples ( Fanum ) and of entertainment with its Roman Thermal baths and Amphitheater.

The proportion of inhabitants with residence was not inevitably important there, a good part of the rural settlement being rather gathered in important agricultural villas strewing the countryside.

A vicus becoming very populated obtained the statute of city ( Civitas ).