Heigard

Heigard, oficially the Republic of Heigard (French: République de Héigarde, Spanish: República de Héigard) is a country in the Bay of Biscay in Western Europe, consisting of four inhabited islands and several rocks and isles. It's located west of France and north of Spain.

It was formed as country in the late 18th Century taking advantage of the political instability of France, and opposing to French economic and social convictions. Upon the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th Century the territory of Heigard has been disputed between France and Spain several times, which gave as result a rich franco-hispanic culture, and at time led to constant internal cultural and political conflicts.

Etymology
The name "Heigard" is derived form Ægartum, the name of the Roman Province founded in the main island circa 55 BC. It has its origin in the name Ægartii, a group of Celtic people inhabiting the island before being discovered by Romans.

History
''Main Article: History of Heigard

Antiquity
There is proof of activity in the island during the Bronze Age (circa 1650 BC). Celtic tribes settled in modern Charleroi circa 400 BC becoming the first permanent inhabitants of the islands. The islands were conquered by the Romans in the 1st Century BC during the Gaulish Campaigns, after defeating some of the local tribes.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century Visigoths claimed the land of Ægartum for their kingdom in Gallia Aquitania, as part of their reward for aiding Emperor Honorius repelling the attacks of Vandals, Alans and Suevi in Hispania.