Tours Travel

Paris’ history

Ernest Hemmingway, the famous American novelist and Nobel laureate once said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris when you were young, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it will stay with you, because Paris is a moving party.” . .” Such is the beauty and splendor of the city.

Paris was founded at the end of the 3rd century BC. C. by the Celtic tribes of Gaul who settled in a region called Île de la Cité. This is where modern Paris is located. Paris derives its name from its colonists who were called the Parisii.

The city was taken by Julius Caesar, the Roman Emperor in 52 BC. The Romans built their city Lutetia on the left bank of the Seine River, which later became known as the Latin Quarter. They continued to rule until the 5th century AD, greatly influencing the culture. Roman influence began to wane around AD 400. C. after the German invasions and in 508 d. C. the Romans had completely disappeared.

In AD 512 Clovis of the Franks established his kingdom and made Paris his capital. He was considered by the French as their first king. In AD 987, Hugh Capet, the Count of Paris, became King of France, and Paris gained a reputation as the center of French government.

Work on Notre Dame Cathedral began in this period. The Sorbonne University of Learning and the Louvre Museum opened around the 13th century.

As a result of the ongoing Hundred Years War, English rulers seized Paris in 1420. However, under the able leadership of Joan of Arc, English forces were driven out in 1429. Paris flourished during the Renaissance period, where he saw flourishing growth in art. , architecture, commerce and literature.

King Louis XIV reigned as King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. He increased France’s power in Europe, but unfortunately emptied the treasury with his penchant for fighting and patronage of buildings like the Palace of Versailles.

Hot on the heels of the French Revolution that overthrew the monarchy in the 18th century, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power. But his desire for expansion caused the fall of the city after his exile. In the 1800s, Napoleon’s nephew named himself Napoleon III and revived Paris. During his 17-year rule, Paris prospered, but the people of France, demanding a Republic, overthrew their King.

With that, the Republic of France was created and Paris became a place rich in culture, art and architecture. Today, Paris is an important cosmopolitan center and also the most visited city in the world.