The two major Historical Influences on the Development of Paris

The two major Historical Influences on the Development of Paris

Introduction

Long ago when cities came into existence, there were several factors considered to have led to the establishment of certain towns until where they presently exist. Ancient towns began as simple villages under the leadership of the chosen few referred to by different title regarding the customs of those people. Some were governed by kings, others elders and some chiefs. Paris, in particular, was governed by some kings who ruled the ancient French kingdom which led to the establishment of Paris as the French capital. Nevertheless, some cities were also relocated to some other places not of the ancient origin due to some factors like the political feuds and the unsuitability of such places to sustain human coexistence.

Paris is the capital city of France as presently known. As one of the ancient cities, this essay will try to navigate the factors which led to the establishment of Paris. As known to many scholars, Paris came into existence due to several factors, but this essay will only consider the ancient kingships which led to the growth of this world’s famous city. The political development of the city of Paris can be dated back to 754 when the various kingships battled to own Paris. In this regard, I will choose to analyze the development of Paris under two Kings; King Robert II “the Pious” and Philip II. Although both kings are believed to have undertaken major Historical Influences  on the development of the city of Paris, King Philip II definitely championed more for a civilized city of Paris.

The two major Historical Influences (King Roberts II and King Philip II)

Similarities and differences between King Robert II and King Philip II

Although the two kings listed above greatly influenced the development of the city of Paris in different ways, King Robert II was a religious king as opposed to King Phillip II. He championed for the establishment of the churches in the City of Paris during his era and established a robust theological background in the city. “Robert was called ‘pious’ because he was known as a theologian.” (Cole, 30) His love for theology led to the sprouting of the churches which we see today in Paris. He was a typical French monarch considering his relationship with the church. King Philip too, recognized the role of religion in making the city of Paris the center of mediaeval Europe. Even though he waged war against his opponents during the expansion of his royal power, he was loyal to the church though conditionally. Additionally, he built churches and laid down rules for the Paris clergy (Cole, 36). Both king Robert II and King Philip II built churches in Paris and on this basis, the city was able to attract many monarchs and the students of theology.

Robert II existed between 996 and 1031. He was from the origin of Hugh’s successors who both ruled and resided in Paris. However, the Hugh’ successors never blended well with the ambitions for Paris to develop into a renowned city in France. “They were notable mainly for weakness, indolence and sexual excess” (Cole, 30).

Nonetheless, Robert II was the first Capetian who was at least entertaining. He established one of the most major royal traditions since he blended piety with romance. He was credited with curing scrofula by touching. The word spread that the king had performed a miracle; it was a small step from throwing water into laying on hands (Cole, 30). Robert was mostly aligned with the religious course of establishing a modern city of Paris. His name “pious” meant someone known for theology, music and mystic performances. Consequently, he could compose psalm and sing better than a priest. His mystic performances and the fact he can sing psalm better than a priest attracted more people into his kingdom and consequently, leading to the development of the city.

The reign of King Robert II coincided with the significant expansion of the Paris church building to which he generously contributed. During the reign of King Robert II, Paris city expanded significantly. In and around Paris alone, seven churches and fourteen monasteries were built or even rebuilt during his tenure which included Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois and the old Roman basilica (Cole, 30). A large city which could survive up to the modern world had to integrate all aspect of the society which includes religion. From a reasonable point of view, several inhabitants of Paris would flee the city if the ruling kings did not recognize the role of religion in the society. Paris is a city of God-fearing People; many felt secure in the city as they navigated their endeavors. The city was free from evil deeds due to the high number of churches. As a result, many people would be converted to Christianity and saved. The religion led to a peaceful city of Paris.

The Paris under King Robert II was a feudal society when the king decides to marry his cousin attracting the cut communications from the Pope. The Christian believers in Paris city turned their backs on him because of their respect for the Lord. Robert didn’t hesitate and went ahead to marry Berthe whom he sent away and married Constant of Arles. Due to his predicaments, Robert II reigned over a society of which serfdom was an integral part. The serfdom extended to the medieval Paris because of the presence of the secular lords and the wealthy monasteries who owned both land and serfs in and out of the city. Nevertheless, Artisans and church merchants under the rule of King Robert II owed part of their produce to church landlords.

However, there the lack of economic freedom in Paris even though the city was endowed with natural wealth. “I am in Paris…in that royal city where the abundance of natural wealth holds those who live there and attracts those from afar” (Cole, 47). The quest for economic freedom for the serfs and the burgess under the kingship of Robert would form the basis for the development of the medieval Paris. “The story of the mediaeval Paris is the story of the efforts from the serfs and the burgess to win their economic freedom.” (Cole, 32). The lack of economic freedom in the eleventh century when Robert II reigned formed a basis for rebellion in what was seen as a revolutionary movement to salvage Paris. Consequently, such revolts led to a revolutionary song (pg. 32). The Parisians were on the verge of social liberation with Robert II elevating his people to the quest for economic freedom.

King Philip II unlike King Robert II, championed for a civilized city of Paris. He was a developer, and a planner for the city’s woke for civilization. Through his tenure, he would always want a clean city. He admired how his works progressed in the transformation for the city to become the center of mediaeval Europe. He made the city the center for medieval Europe due to his immense work and support for the education system, unlike Robert II who focused mainly on the religious transformation of the city of Paris. As King Robert II prepared the city towards the religious path, King Philip II prepared the city towards a modern and civilized society where education matters. King Robert II was a generous king to the Christina society, unlike King Philip II. The Jews were considered foreigners in Paris just as it happens elsewhere in France. They lived in the ghetto of France. During the era of King Philip II, he confiscated their property and expelled them from Paris. This event may explain why King Philip would require his security whenever he would go for a walk on his newly paved streets (Cole, 40).

Philip II was a monarch and a king at the same time (Cole, 40). He made Paris the center of mediaeval Europe regarding the civilizations during his era. Civilization is the key to the development of the metropolitan cities. Under the leadership of King Robert II, we have seen a struggling Paris, Paris which is still straining to attain the economic freedom.

Nevertheless, the modern civilization was still at the grassroots levels even as the movements for economic freedom were formed (Cole, 36). This monarch tried to provide solutions for civilization in Paris. He was known as Philip le Dieu-Donne was commonly known as the gift of God among the Parisians. Philip waged war against the foreign rulers in Paris to take over the city with sufficient skills. He wanted to expand the royal powers against both foreign rulers and the contentious vassals from his region. He focused more on the education systems in Paris and the architectural designs of various landmarks in the city. As a result, he built Les Halles, two large warehouse-markets for drapers and weavers in the old market between 1181 and 1183. Consequently, the merchants at the Les Halles could sell their product within the roofed stall under full protection of the goods at night (Cole, 37). Additionally, he erected a chateau opposite Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois on the right bank. He had outgrown the place of the Cite to be called Louvre which would later serve as a royal residence. The Louvre was expanded under the instructions from Philip II and would attract other monarchs and fortress.

The University of Paris is one of the most significant features and buildings in this city. The Philip’s wall was another feature which made Paris have the beautiful and attractive artistic view. The wall has twenty-five gates and is 2.5 meters thick and has almost 500 towers (Cole, 39). This was one of the buildings in Paris which attracted many architectural designs as the University of Paris also integrated the course into the system. Philip extended it to include 625 acres. Due to his love for education as a way of providing the civilization, Philip II approved the bestowing of a charter on this university and codified the studies as well. After the development of Paris, the city acted as the center for all medieval scholarships. The University of Paris emerged as a result of the conglomeration of the students and masters at the Left Bank (Cole, 45). The university was officially named the University of Paris after Philip II, and Pope Innocent III extended the recognition of the charter in 1200 and 1210. As a result, the efforts of King Philip II made Paris become the center of learning in the 12th century.

The population of Paris grew steadily from an approximation of 200,000 people to 300,000 in 1200 and 1300 respectively due to the establishment of the functioning university. Until the fifteenth century, Paris was still the most Catholic capital. “…civic pride, loyalty to the monarchies and Catholic beliefs were still integrated into the Parisian life.” (Cole, 74) Houses and churches began sprouting, and the city realized the civilization which King Philip II championed for in his course for making Paris the center of mediaeval Europe. The comprehensive waste monument system put in place by Philip also ensured Paris was a clean city and free from unpleasant smells from the waste products. In this regard, he orders the Prevot to pave the main streets from west to north and south to act as the waste management system layout.

Conclusion

The two set Kings set what I would call the pace for development in the city but especially with regards to King Phillip II. Later in 1515, the population of the city is still growing steadily (Cole, 66). The introduction of the Right Bank which acted as the mercantile center of the city comprised of a beehive of activities. The development of Paris attracted so many kingdoms and monarchs like Napoleon. After his defeat at Waterloo, he says, “…the rebuilding of most churches pulled down during the revolution, the building of new ones and putting an end to pauperism,” would salvage Paris (Cole, 144). The city of Paris, therefore, was a city of its history. The historical backgrounds can as well be traced from the times of the French movements which also shed more light on the people.

Since the founding fathers of Paris like King Philip II knew the fundamental rights of the citizens, we can today see a Paris which is ultramodern. For the development of future generations, the society must be taught to have respect for God. Then the leaders must look into the most basic needs needed to drive out societal problems. King Robert II knew with what importance does the church impact the society. After laying the religious backgrounds, the other leaders should pick the roles of the transformative agenda to change the community based on civilization. A society of elites is a civilized society. Today, the University of Paris attracts students from all over the world due to the excellent foundation laid by the likes of King Philip II.

Work cited

Cole, Robert. A traveller’s history of Paris. Windrush Press, (1994); pp. 20- 170