The Romans influence

When the Romans came to the Basque Country, about 200 years before the birth of Christ, The Basques were divided into tribes: the Autrigoni, the Caristi, the Varduli and the Vascons.

The Romans stayed in the Basque Country for three or four centuries, but without ever dominating it wholly. Their influence and rule undoubtedly left its mark on the plains (Ager), but was weak in the mountain areas (Saltus).

The Romans stayed in the Basque Country until the fall of their Empire, although their presence was never massive. 

On the disappearance of the Romans, it was the Vascons which dominated the territory, although in permanent struggle with peoples from Europe.