The Naming of Paris

Among the so-called "Cities of Gaul" which Caesar conquered was a village built of reeds and rushes on a swampy island in the river Seine. The Gallic name was Lutetia, or "mud-town." It was inhabited by a Celtic tribe called Par-is-i-i, who burned their mud-town of reeds and rushes rather than surrender it to the invading foe. The great Caesar was quick to appreciate the fine situation; he ordered a wall to be built around the island, and a temple to Jupiter to be erected. A town quickly sprang up around the temple, and, later, was named after the ancient tribe Pa-ris-i-i.

Thus the present Capital of France dates from the time of the great Caesar, 52 B. C. This island-town soon became a favorite residence for wealthy Romans; Julian was here proclaimed Emperor of Rome in 360. He built a palace on the left side of the river, surrounded by dense forests and marshes, and just as the temple had been the center of a growing population, so was this Palace of Julian. Later, these two centers were united, and around them, during the centuries, has grown the magnificent Paris of to-day. But the great city still honors its cradle, and "The Island" is par excellence "La Cite" (the City).