ancient Avennio
City (pop., 1999: 85,854), southeastern France.
Founded as a Phocaean colony, it was conquered by the Romans, Goths, Burgundians, Ostrogoths, and finally the Franks. It was part of the kingdom of Arles and briefly became a republic (1135–46). It belonged to Venaissin before being sold by Joan I of Naples to Pope Clement VI in 1348, and it was the capital of the papacy (1309–77) and seat of the Avignonese popes during the Western Schism . France annexed the city in 1791. Landmarks include a Romanesque cathedral, the papal palace, and Saint-Bénézet bridge, made famous by the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon."