According to Lyon History, the city was founded as a military colony of the Romans during 43 BC by Munatius Plancus. Lyon served as the capital of Three Gauls under Augustus. The Three Gauls namely Aquitania, Lugdunensis and Belgica were the regions of Roman France. Originally, the city was named Lugdunum, which meant "hill of crows" or "hill of lights".
Architectural development started in Lyon from 11th century. Old homes, churches were rebuilt and the town was given a new look in this century. From 15th century onwards, the town started prospering by leaps and bounds. Gradually, Lyon became a significant center of trade and commerce. By the middle of 18th
|
century, the city developed into a major silk hub of Europe.
The expansion and development of Lyon came to a halt during the French Revolution. Under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, progress was re-vitalized in the town. By the end of the 19th century, it became a major industrial center.
Lyon was the heart of French Resistance at the time of World War II. In the year 1960, business quarter Part - Dieu was created in the city. In the present days, Lyon is a well-developed city. It has also become an important tourist spot. Some of the regions of the city like Croix-Rousse and Saint-Jean have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998.
|
