So, what's this book really about? Henri Vidal picks apart the history of Toulon, France, piece by piece. The common belief was that the city started with the Romans. Vidal says, 'Hold on, let's check that.' He acts like a historical detective, using old documents, geography, and a sharp eye to build a different case. He suggests the city's origins are hidden in layers of time, long before the Romans showed up. The book follows his process as he questions the accepted story and tries to uncover what was lost or ignored.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a dry list of facts. It's a passionate argument. You can feel Vidal's obsession on every page. He's not just presenting information; he's trying to convince you. It makes you look at history differently—not as a fixed story, but as a debate that's still happening. It’s fascinating to see how someone rebuilds a past from fragments and educated guesses.

Final Verdict

Perfect for local history lovers, armchair detectives, and anyone who enjoys a good intellectual challenge. If you like true stories about solving puzzles from the past, you'll get a kick out of this. It's a niche read, but for the right person, it’s absolutely gripping. Think of it as the origin story of an origin story.