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The rich soil, the exceptional climate, and the marshes themselves made this island one of the prize possessions of any one who could defend it. From century to century, this place was taken and occupied by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Franks, the English, the Spanish, the Dutch, and the Germans. This fortress was a strong defensive post, but it was anything but impregnable. Just during the Vendée Wars of 1793-1795 it changed hands four times, going from Royalist to Republican as every season turned.
