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, scholars 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 Paris Modernity 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 it stands today). The conciergeLater, the city expanded to the left bank of the Seine, and its center was established in the area The Pantheon Today's.
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.
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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 (Montmartre), which means “Mountain of the Martyrs.”
Dionysius, now known as Saint Danis, 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 a monument was later erected at his burial site. 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 it stands today The Pantheon 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 production French, 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.
More articles on the subject
- Alesia: The Last Gallic Battle
- 10 must-see churches in Paris (Including information about the Basilica of Saint-Denis and the Pantheon mentioned in the article).
Want to read more about the history of Paris?
You are welcome to go toNext chapter in the Paris history series And learn about other periods in the history of the City of Lights.