In modern society Paris is one of the most prominent cities in Europe, playing a huge role in contemporary politics and a hub of current cultures. But what about the Paris of old? How important has the city been throughout the ages?
Here’s an overview to three eras of Paris throughout the ages, giving you an insight into some of the landmarks and architecture that you’ll see when you visit the city.
It’s believed that there have been settlements in the area of Paris for thousands of years but the first major town was Lutetia, which existed before the Romans invaded but expanded rapidly once it became part of Gaul under Caesar. The town was Christianised in the third century, although not until St Denis, the Bishop of the town, was decapitated along with a number of his followers on the hill that is now named Montmatre (derived from Mons Martis, meaning the mountain of the martyr).
Not a huge amount survives from this era but you can see some remains from the amphitheatre, built in the 1st century, if you head to the Latin Quarter, while at the Musee de Cluny there are public baths remains.
Paris underwent many changes in the Feudal and Medieval eras but I’m going to move onto the French Revolution, where Paris was a focal point. It was during this time that the divine right of the monarchy was challenged with the siege of Bastille and the overthrowing of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, both of whom were beheaded by guillotine.
There is much more still available to see in Paris that harks back to this critical time in the city’s history, including La Bastille and the Place de la Concorde, which was renamed as the Place de la Revolution during this era when it acted as the site of executions.
And then Paris of course was a focal point for the Second World War. It was invaded in 1940 with very little resistance, and it was then occupied by German forces for four years. Daily parades of troops served as a reminder of who was in control. In 1944 Allied forced landed at Normandy and eventually made their way to Paris. Von Choltitz, a Nazi officer in charge of the city, was ordered by Hitler to destroy it, but he hesitated for fear of leaving a legacy as the man who destroyed Paris.
Landmarks you can see in the city include Hotel Meurice, which is where the Nazi headquarters was stationed. You can still see a bullet hole in the door crest. There’s a number of memorials in the city including the Deportation Memorial, while you can learn about the resistance and the revolution for which France was famous.
By Ian Lewis
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