Medieval Paris - Coursework Example

Download file to see previous pages... 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 ...Download file to see next pagesRead More