Michelin's Illustrated Guides to the Battle-fields (1914-1918)

Rheims and the Battles for its Possession

"Sublime population who, like the Municipal Authoritiesmodels of devotion to duty and despising all dangergave proof of magnificent courage, by remaining more than three years under the constant menace of the enemy's attacks, and by leaving their homes only when ordered to do so. Rheims is one of the oldest towns in France, so old that legendary accounts, in an endeavour to outdo one another, carry back its foundation sometimes to 1440 B.C. after the Flood, sometimes to the siege of Troy. Lying at the intersection of the natural routes between Belgium and Burgundy, and between the Parisian basin and Lorraine, i.e. between political districts that long remained different in character, and regions having different commercial resources, it was at one and the same time the "oppidum" and market-town. Its military and commercial position destined it early to be a great city. It probably takes its name from the tribe of the Remi, who occupied almost the whole territory now forming the "dpartements" of the Marne and the Ardennes, and who were clients of the Suessiones (Soissons) before the Roman conquest. It was already a prosperous town, under the name of "Durocortorum," when Csar conquered Gaul. It freed itself from the yoke of the Suessiones by accepting the Roman domination. When the Belgians revolted in 57 B.C., the Remi remained faithful to Csar and received the title of "friends of the Roman people." Neither did they take any part in the general revolt of Gaul in 52 B.C. Under the Empire, Rheims was, with Trves, one of the great centres of Latin culture in "Gallia Belgica." On becoming a federated city, it retained its institutions and senate. A favourite residence of the Roman Governors, Rheims was embellished with sumptuous villas and magnificent monuments, and soon became one of the most prosperous towns in Gaul. At the beginning of the Germanic invasions Rheims drew in its borders and became a military town. Under Diocletian it was the capital of Belgica Secunda. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 36885
Author: Pneu Michelin (Firm)
Release Date: Jul 29, 2011
Format: eBook
Language: English