 The Massalians found it cheaper and simpler to trade with Northern Europe over land routes.In the 2nd century BC the people of Massalia appealed to Rome for help against the Ligures.Roman legions entered Provence three times; first in 181 BC the Romans suppressed Ligurian uprisings near Genoa; in 154 BC the Roman Consul Optimus defeated the Oxybii and the Deciates, who were attacking Antibes; and in 125 BC, the Romans put down an uprising of a confederation of Celtic tribes.