Paris: A Brief History Of The City Of Love

Paris was known as "Lutetia" when it was first founded as a fishing village. This original settlement existed by the late 3rd century BC, on an island located in the Seine. Later, the Romans captured Paris and fortified it during 52 B.C.

Throughout the first century AD, Paris expanded to the Seine's left bank. The city became quite significant under the rule of various Roman emperors. Today you can view baths and catacombs that were constructed during Paris' period under the Romans. Then by 300 AD the city had become known by its current name: Paris. Afterwards, Paris withstood several attacks by the Vikings (885-887 AD). In fact, Paris became the target of several invasions by the Normans and barbarians.

After 486 A.D., Clovis I made Paris his kingdom's capital. In fact, Clovis I was among numerous Merovingian kings who declared Paris as their kingdoms' capital. Paris would become a hub for education.

When Hugh Capet (the count of Paris) rose to France's throne in 987, he established it as France's capital. For centuries afterwards, Paris continued to grow as a commercial, industrial, and cultural hub of France. While Philip II ruled France, the city improved. That included formally recognizing the University of Paris. Also, Paris grew substantially during Philip Augustus's reign, from 1180 to 1223. Construction products included a fortress, churches, schools, and city walls.

During the 1300s and 1400s, the development of Paris was hampered by the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. The Black Death was an outbreak of the bubonic plague, while the Hundred Years' War was a sporadic conflict between France and England. During the Hundred Years' War, there was much civil conflict within the city of Paris. However, 1358 was notable in that Paris first began to function as an independent commune.

During the 1600s and 1700s, the infrastructure of the city was greatly improved. Then from 1789-1799, the main events that eventually resulted in the French Revolution, happened in France. Napoleon III had the city's infrastructure modernized. He also added numerous new bridges that extended over the Seine River.

The Germans occupied Paris during World War II, from 1940 until 1944. After World War II, Paris continually grew and improved. It became the site of several construction projects and major worldwide events.

Before departing for France, be certain to book your holiday apartment online. That will guarantee that you have accommodations once you arrive in Paris.