MASSILIA, (anc. geog.), a town of Gallia Narbonensis; a colony of Phocæans, from Phocæa, a city of Ionia, and in confederacy with the Romans: universally celebrated not only for its port, commerce, and
strength, but especially for its politeness of manners and its learning. It was the school for barbarians, who were excited by its means to such a fondness for Greek literature, that even their public and private transactions were all executed in that language, according to Strabo; who adds, "At this day the noblest Romans repair thither for study, rather than to Athens." Now Marseille, a city and port-town of Provence. See MARSEILLES.