What Was Paris Called Before Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and romantic ambiance. But have you ever wondered what this beautiful city was called before it was known as Paris? The answer is not as straightforward as you may think.

The Early Days

It is believed that the earliest settlement in the area where Paris now stands dates back to the 3rd century BC. The settlement was known as Lutetia, which means “marshy place” in Celtic.

Lutetia was a small village located on the left bank of the Seine River. It was inhabited by a tribe known as the Parisii.

The Roman Influence

In 52 BC, Julius Caesar conquered Gaul (modern-day France) and built a new town on the left bank of the Seine River. He named it Lutetia Parisiorum, which means “Lutetia of the Parisii.” The name Parisii referred to the tribe that inhabited the area before Caesar’s conquest.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, Paris went through several name changes. In the 5th century AD, it was known as Civitas Parisiorum or “City of the Parisii.” In the 10th century AD, it became known as Lutetia again before being renamed to Parriaci in 987 AD.

The Modern Era

It wasn’t until 1163 AD when construction began on Notre-Dame Cathedral that Paris began to resemble its current form. During this time, it became known as Paris for toponymic reasons; simply because it sounded better and was easier to pronounce than its previous names.

In Conclusion

In summary, what we know today as “Paris” has had many names throughout its long history. From Lutetia to Lutetia Parisiorum, and from Parriaci to Civitas Parisiorum, the city has undergone significant transformations over time. No matter what it was called before, Paris remains one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world today.

So, there you have it – a brief history of what Paris was called before it became Paris. We hope this article has been informative and engaging for you!