Paris

placed in the category: Cities

Paris is the capital city of France which lies near the center of the Paris Basin in the north central part of the country. It holds the distinction of being France's political and economic center aside from being the communications and administrative center as well. History would show that it has been encircled by a succession of city walls which is largely responsible for the city's roughly circular shape. Traditionally associated with luxury goods and high fashion, Paris considers the tourist trade its leading industry.

The city derives its name from its original inhabitants known as the Parisii. Its complete name then was Lutetia Parisiorium or Lutetia of the Parisii. It was only renamed as Paris during the reign of Julian the Apostolate. Paris goes by the nickname - The City of Lights, in reference to its popularity as a center of education as well as its adoption of street lighting much earlier than other cities.

At the intersection of two natural highways - the Seine River and northwest Europe's south westerly route from the Rhine district, the City of Paris developed. The then town underwent considerable development under the Roman rule while its settlements reached the Left Bank's slopes. During this time, an arena, a theater and public baths were built. However, it was the founder of the Frankish kingdom, Clovis I, who designated Paris as his capital. Paris' status as the capital was firmly established during the Capetian Dynasty.

The Capetian Dynasty saw the rise of many of Paris' most impressive establishments including the Notre Dame, St. Chapelle and the building of the first Louver. The Black Death brought the plague and managed to halt the city's development. Revival only came during the 16th century. The period of Renaissance was the time when aristocracy built most of their fine mansions in the area. Successive rulers invested on the building of many present monuments such as the Champs-Elysees, Hotel des Invalides, the Pantheon and the Ecole Militaire. Napoleon intended Paris to become a great imperial city and constructed the Rue de Rivoli, the Vendome Column and the Arc de Triomphe.

Paris became the home of writers and artists. It also became the venue of great international exhibitions, one of which produced the Eiffel Tower. In spite of the damages of war, it transformed Paris into a major industrial center. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, the first 7 of which forms the medieval city's approximate area.