Chronology of the History of Paris

History of Paris

    When it comes to stories about the city's history as well as its GDP, this French metropolis has a lot to offer. In addition to admiring the site, it is important to learn about the history of the place you are visiting. In the following, we'll take a quick look at the evolution of Paris over time.


history of paris

    Paris's origins can be traced back to 250 BC when the Celtic Parisii built a settlement along the river Seine to oversee trade. Archeological discoveries have found that the largest settlement in the Paris region may have been in the suburbs of today's Nanterre, a commune in France's westernmost region, casting doubt on the popular idea that the Ile de la Cite was the location of the settlement. When Rome captured the area in 52 BC, they most likely built their city of Lutetia on the left bank of Saint Genevieve Hill, which is still surviving till today. Roman Lutece would flourish for centuries as a city under Roman rule, but the empire would finally fall, and the city would experience a period of prosperity and decay. At this point, Lutece had been reduced to the status of a garrison town, completely cut off from the rest of the world by a hurriedly constructed central island wall. Paris would be renamed "Paris" at the end of Roman rule, regaining its previous name.

* Medieval History of Paris

    It has been the capital of the Frankish king Clovis I, who built a church and abbey on this location in 512 AD, which is now known as Notre Dame de Paris. After his death, Paris became the capital of a much smaller country, the Frankish realm. With its feudal status under the Carolingian Dynasty, it was nothing more than a bygone era. It wasn't long before the Counts of Paris overtook the Kings of Western France in riches and influence as they rose to prominence. Odo, Count of Paris, succeeded Charles the Fat as King of France after his overthrow. But even after he destroyed the Left Bank's ancient Roman city of Paris, Paris' count continued to protect France against an invasion of Viking raiders as far back as the ninth century. It was under the rule of Hugh Capet's dynasty in 987 that Paris was elevated to the position of France's capital and became the seat of government.

* 19th Century History of Paris

    The most major changes in Paris have occurred as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the French Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. As railways opened the door to mass migration in the 1840s, companies in the suburbs attracted a large number of newcomers. Napoleon III and his prefect Haussmann were instrumental in the city's substantial restorations during his rule. In order to provide the foundation for the city's wide avenues and neo-classical façade, they demolished large sections of medieval streets. In spite of the cholera epidemic and the Franco-Prussian war, Paris hosted the Universal Expositions in the late nineteenth century and was able to quickly recover its lost glory. The Eiffel Tower was temporarily relocated during this time period as a demonstration of architectural engineering.

* 20th Century History of Paris

    France's capital city was spared an invasion by Germany after the First Battle of the Mame in 1914, but Paris was mostly unscathed by the conflict. This was due to the fact that it was one of the early leaders and was spared an invasion by Germany after the First Battle of the Mame in 1914. After World War II, the city of Paris experienced its greatest substantial growth. The population of the suburbs grew significantly as a result of the development of large communal estates and the establishment of the La Defense business area. A thorough express subway system was also built to complete the city.

Comments