The history of Paris reveals the gradual evolving of a Celtic settlement into a cosmopolitan, modern and a global city of the world. Paris history is almost 2,000 years old and is interrupted by various significant events like the Paris Commune and the French Revolution.
The evidences of the ancient history of Paris validate the fact that, the Parisii, a Celtic tribe first settled in the site of what is today the modern Paris. Archaeological excavations have further showed signs of settlement near Bercy. Around 52 BC Paris came under the Roman control led by Caesar. During the 3rd and the 4th century the city was disturbed by numerous civil wars and unrest prevailed. Paris was consistently attacked by barbarian invaders. Roman rule collapsed in the country during the 5th century.
Early medieval Paris presented a picture of typically crowded city with timber buildings. The city expanded beyond the boundaries of Ile. City suburbs developed on either banks of the river.
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In 885, the city was invaded by Danish Viking invasion force. Odo, who was then the Count of Paris defended the city and became the co-ruler of the Empire with Charles the Simple. Hugh Capet, who was the grand nephew of Odo, was elected as the King of France. He was the founder of the Capetian dynasty.
The French Revolution is perhaps the most significant event in the history of Paris. This rebellion was due to the severe social stress faced by the French population. At the onset, of 18th century, the country was plagued by epidemic disease and food shortages. During this time, due to intrusion of capitalism the gap between the rich and the poor widened. The capturing of the Bastille in 1789 was a landmark event. After the Franco Prussioan War and the retreat of the German army, French radicals established Paris Commune, which ruled the city for a brief period during the Spring. The treaty of Paris, which was signed between the United Kingdom of Britain and the United States of America, brought an end to the American War of Independence.
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