Sewit Political

History of Paris

Pre-renaissance

The original site of Paris was first inhabited by the Parisian tribe, who were Gauls. It was later named Luticia and mentioned by Julius Caesar in 52-51 B.C in his "Commentaries", which attracted Roman attention. The RomanÕs invaded and expelled the Gauls from the site of Paris, and replaced their village with a Roman encampment.

In 3rd century A.D, Luticia was periodically invaded by Franks, and forced Luticians to build a fortified wall around town. Soon the the name Luticia was replaced by Paris after the original inhabitants. It became the capital city for the Franks under the reign of Clovis from late 5th century to early 6th century A.D, and was subject to raids, epidemics until 8th cen., when Charlemagne made Aix-La Chapelle, the seat of his kingship.

Paris would be ruled by Monarchy justified by Divine right until the French revolution. The first dynasty, the Capetian dynasty from 12-13th cen., transformed Paris to keep it in tune w ith the growing economy and demand for supplies. A wall beyond the Ile de la Cite was made to claim more land for the expanding city. Cathedral of Notre Dame was made as well as the University of Paris was built on the Left Bank. By the end of 14th cen, Charles V, expanded perimeter wall enough to surround the grand boulevards of Paris.

Paris was ravaged by wars in the 15th and 16th century under the rule of the Valois Kings. In 15th cen, the city was lost to England but it was soon regained. The 16th cen., religious wars between the Roman Catholics and the Prodistants took heavy tolls in Paris killing people and draining money out of Paris.

Valois King male line was cut off. Henry IV converted to Catholicism and took the crown claiming "Paris is worth the mass." from 16th to 18th. cen, Paris made rise into world power status under rule of Bourban kings, until Louis XVI. Paris achieved political stability after the "drama" of the Valois kings, and the absolute Monarchy of past kings which brought only temporary economical gains and political stability.