Medieval Paris - Coursework Example

Medieval Paris Introduction The term “medieval Paris” simply means Paris in the Middle Ages, that is, Paris in the period 12th to 15th century. During this period, Paris was the most dominant and important city in France in that it was the center of culture, religion, politics, and economical activities. In short, it defined France. This makes Paris an important city in the study of sociology because the above qualities show that it had established sociological patterns. As such, in studying the medieval city, sociology can define how the social changes, order, and disorder of the time contributed to the modern Paris and France in general.

This text will highlight the unique characteristics about Paris that make it a perfect element of study in sociology. At the onset of medieval Paris, King Phillippe-Auguste embarked on securing Paris within city walls, and this marked the beginning of its rise. Stone walls with round watch-towers were built around Paris to secure it from external attacks and other influences. Phillippe-Auguste also ordered the construction of Les Halles, Paris’ covered market on the Right Bank. Again, he paved rebuilt its two wooden bridges with stone, and paved the muddy streets.

This fortification and internalized developments within Paris paved the way for one of the most developed and orderly cities in the world (Farmer, 2014). Paris invented its own style of architecture which was mainly based on religion. At the time, much of Paris was mainly catholic-dominated and the earliest forms of religious architecture were based on Catholicism. The Basilica of Saint Denis was the first unique piece of architecture in medieval Paris. Other Churches were to later follow suit.

They included the Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, and Saint-Martin-des-Champs. This style of architecture was unique with stained glass, high ceilings, and high windows. To this day, cathedrals in Paris and the wider France still retain some of these features. The geographical location of Paris contributed largely to its emergence as an important urban center in Europe. First of all, it was located between the Rivers Yerres, Marne, and Oise, and these ensured the city had abundant food supply.

Food supply in turn made Paris’ population to be one of the fastest growing in France and Europe at large. In fact, after the Bubonic plague reduced most populations in Europe by almost a half, Paris’ population was amongst the first to regenerate. Apart from food, the rivers made it a major trade harbor as boats would converge there from other places in France and beyond including Germany and Spain (Farmer, 2014). Therefore, the fact that the three rivers converged at Paris and that Paris had much to offer in terms of trade made it emerge as an important commercial urban center.

The other contributing factor to Paris’ growth as an urban center is the embracing of education within its walls. As early as the 12th century, independent schools began to break off from the main school of Notre dame which was recognized in Europe as a leading scholarship center. After numerous conflicts between increasing student numbers and Paris residents, King Philip Augustus recognized the students and their teachers as an organization and thereafter, Paris acquired its first ever university; the University of Paris.

By the 14th century, the university had about 4,000 students. It mainly taught arts, medicine, theology, and languages. The University of Paris became of the biggest influences to the way of living in Paris. Again, it contributed to the emergence and development of the city as much of its population was educated (New World Encyclopedia, 2015). This influence reigns to this day as Paris remains one of Europe’s most important cities.Conclusion The fortification of Paris by King Phillippe-Auguste evidently marked the beginning of Paris’ rise to an urban center.

This made governance, protection, and development easier. Again, the positioning of Paris between three major rivers not only provided it with surplus food but also converted it into an important commercial center in Europe. Religious architecture also influence the building culture within Paris which later spread across France. Finally, the establishment of the University of Paris educated most of Paris residents and this enhanced not only the literacy of the people but also its emergence as an important urban center that remains dominant to this day; about three-thousand years later.

ReferencesFarmer, S. (2014). “Medieval Paris and the Mediterranean: The Evidence from the Silk Industry.” French Historical Studies. 37.3: 383-419.New World Encyclopedia.(2015). “University of Paris.” Retrieved on 1 June, 2015 from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/University_of_ParisReferences