The territory which became the department of the Haute-Loire was formerly occupied by 5 people: Vellavi (people which gave its name to the Velay), the Gabales (Gévaudan), the Heldes or Helviens (Vivarais), the Ségusiaves or Ségusiens (Forez) and the Arvernes (Auvergne).

The Vellavi, shepherds and hunters when they were not in war with their neighbors, lived huts or in the many caves dug which one finds in this department.

After the conquest of the Gaulle by Jules César, Auguste gave independence to the Vellavi compared to the Arvernes. Their country was included/understood in the first Aquitaine.

With Latin civilization, Ruessio, (Saint-Paulien), Icidmago, (Yssingeaux or Usson - in-Drill), Condate, (Saint-Privat), transfers the construction of many temples, palate, circuses, acqueducs, the cities became prosperous and luxurious.

The Velay was devastated by the invasions Barbares in the last years of the Romain Empire. The Burgondes plundered Brioude, (Brivas), and the Visigoths which succeeded the Burgondes invaded all the Velay as well as the country of the Arvernes, the Gévaudan and the Vivarais.

The Velay was then controlled by a count who represented the governor of the Aquitaine.

Alaric Ier, king of the Visigoths perishes with the battle of Vouillé in 507, battles gained by Clovis. The Velay passed then under the franque domination. In 511, it was included in the states of the king of Austrasie then in French monarchy when Clotaire II had joined together all the possessions of its dynasty towards 613.