Paris has been a thriving metropolis and a center
of intellectual and artistic achievement for centuries.
The city's roots reach to the 3rd century B.C., and influences as diverse as Celtic, Roman, Scandinavian, and English are woven into the city's rich heritage.
Key Dates in Paris History
- 3rd century B.C.: The area around L'Ile de la Cité is settled by a tribe of Celtic fishermen, the Parisii. The settlement is named Lutetia.
- 52 B.C.: The Roman Empire under Julius Caesar seizes the city
which becomes part of the Roman territory known as Gaul.
