Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris

24  INTRODUCING P ARIS

Medieval Paris

Throughout the Middle Ages, strategically placed towns like Paris,
positioned at a river crossing, became important centres of
political power and learning. The Church played a crucial part in
intellectual and spiritual life. It provided the impetus for education
and for technological advances such as the drainage of land and
the digging of canals. The population was still confined mainly to
the Ile de la Cité and the Left Bank. When the marshes (marais)
were drained in the 12th century, the city was able to expand. Extent of the City
1300 Today

Sainte-Chapelle
The upper chapel
of this medieval
masterpiece (see
pp88–9) was
reserved for the
royal family.

The Ile de la Cité,
including the towers
of the Conciergerie
and Sainte-Chapelle,
features in the
pages for June.

Octagonal Table Drainage
Medieval manor houses had wooden allowed more
furniture like this trestle table. land to be
cultivated.

Weavers’ Window A rural life
Medieval craftsmen was led by most Parisians,
formed guilds and many who worked on the land.
church windows were The actual city only
dedicated to their crafts. occupied a tiny area.

512 725–732 845–862
Death of Sainte Geneviève. Muslims attack Gaul Normans attack Paris
She is buried next to Clovis

500 600 700 800 900

800
543 Charlemagne
Foundation of crowned Emperor Golden hand
St-Germain-des-Prés by the Pope reliquary of
Charlemagne

024-025_EW_Paris.indd 24 05/05/2017 12:46
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight history template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1)
Date 26th July 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm