in short
- Time range: From 52 BC, the year in which Julius Caesar conquered the settlement of the Frisian tribe, to 486 AD and the fall of Roman rule in Gaul.
- Original name: The Romans called the city they founded on the Ile de la Cité “Lutetia.” The name Paris is derived from the name of the Gallic tribe that lived there, the Parisii.
- The oldest settlement: Not on the island, but in the Bercy area of the 12th arrondissement, where a fishing village from about 4,000 years ago was discovered.
- Where was the city center? Left Bank, in the area of today's Pantheon. The Governor's Palace stood where the Conciergerie stands today.
- What remains to be seen: The Arena of Lutèce on Rue Monge, and the Roman Baths at the intersection of Boulevards Saint-Germain and Saint-Michel, which are now part of the Cluny Museum.
- Saint Denis: The preacher Dionysius was executed by beheading on a hill north of the city in the third century. Hence the name of the Montmartre district, “Mountain of the Martyrs,” and hence the Basilica of Saint-Denis, where the kings of France were buried.
- Saint Genevieve: According to tradition, the young woman's call not to surrender to the Huns in the fifth century saved the city. The hill on which the Pantheon stands is named after her.
Welcome to the first installment in a series of articles on the history of Paris. This installment deals with the early days of the city, from its time as a small Gallic settlement called “Lutezia” to the Frankish conquest. Before you begin reading, I recommend listening to a short lecture of mine on the subject:
For many years, researchers believed that Paris was founded on the central island in the Seine River, Île de la Cité. However, in the early 2000s, it became clear that the first settlement in the area of modern Paris was a small fishing village that existed about 4,000 years ago in the area of present-day Bercy (12th arrondissement).
In 52 BC, Julius Caesar conquered a small settlement of the Parisii tribe on the Ile de la Cité. The Romans founded the city of Lutetia on the island, where the governor's palace was located (where the Conciergerie stands today ). The city later expanded to the left bank of the Seine, and its center was established in the area of the present-day Pantheon .
Today, remains from that period can be found, such as the Roman baths at the intersection of Boulevards Saint-Germain and Saint-Michel, and the arena (Arènes de Lutèce) rediscovered during the 19th century on Rue Monge.
Between two saints
During the third century AD, Christianity began to penetrate Paris. One of the most prominent preachers was Dionysius, who attempted to convert the city's pagan inhabitants. His activities did not please the Roman authorities, who decided to execute him by beheading on a hill north of Lutetia.
According to legend, Dionysius was beheaded before reaching the top of the hill. He became a martyr and gave his name to the Rue des Martyrs, which is now, ironically, best known for its food shops. The event also gave the hill its name – Montmartre , meaning “Mountain of Martyrs.”
Dionysius, now known as Saint Denis, did not let his beheading stop him. According to tradition, he got up, held up his severed head, and continued walking north, continuing to preach. He stopped and fell for good a few miles north, and his burial site was later the site of the magnificent Basilica of Saint Denis , where almost all the kings of France were buried.
During the 4th and 5th centuries, the Roman Empire began to crumble, and barbarian tribes began to invade its territory. Among the most dangerous invaders of the time were the Huns, who advanced towards Lutetia in the 5th century.
When the Huns threatened the city, fear gripped the inhabitants. A young woman named Genevieve urged them not to surrender and to trust in God, for he would not allow the Huns to destroy their city. Indeed, the Huns passed by Lutetia and continued on their way. Was this divine intervention, or was it a rumor that spread through the Hun camp that the beauty of the city’s women was not worth the effort?
Either way, Genevieve became one of the most influential figures in the city, and after her death she was declared the patron saint of Paris. The hill on which the Pantheon now stands is named after her.
Chapters from "Once Upon a Time" that can teach about the period
This episode of “Once Upon a Time” deals with the Roman Empire in general, but since the series is a French production , it includes a lot of information about the Roman conquest of Gaul (later France).
Recommended films about the period
While there aren't many films that deal directly with the Lottery, the "Asterix" film series (both the animated films and the live-action films starring Gérard Depardieu) provides a humorous and enjoyable glimpse into life in Gaul under Roman rule.
Want to read more about the history of Paris?
You are invited to move on to the next chapter in the history of Paris series and learn about additional periods in the history of the City of Lights.
