Paris, the capital city of France, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. But have you ever wondered why it’s called Alexandros? Let’s take a closer look at the origin of this name.
The Legend of Paris and Helen
According to Greek mythology, Paris was a prince of Troy. He was chosen by the gods to judge which of the three goddesses – Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite – was the most beautiful. Each goddess offered him a bribe to choose her as the winner.
Aphrodite promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world – Helen, who was married to King Menelaus of Sparta. Paris chose Aphrodite as the winner and took Helen with him back to Troy.
This act sparked a ten-year war between Troy and Sparta known as the Trojan War. The Greeks eventually won by using an ingenious tactic – they built a giant wooden horse filled with soldiers and left it outside the gates of Troy as a gift. The Trojans brought it inside their city walls, not suspecting that it was full of enemy soldiers who then attacked and conquered Troy.
How Paris Got Its Name
The story goes that after the Trojan War ended, some of its survivors fled to different parts of Europe. One group settled in what is now France and founded a city which they named after their prince – Paris.
But why did they choose Alexandros as his name? It turns out that in ancient Greece, Paris was actually called Alexandros which means “defender” or “protector” in Greek.
So when the survivors settled in France and founded a city in his honor, they decided to keep his original name as a way of honoring his bravery during the Trojan War.
The Legacy of Alexandros
Today, Paris stands as a testament to the legacy of Alexandros. Its rich history and cultural heritage attract millions of visitors every year who come to marvel at its landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
But beyond its beauty and grandeur, Paris is also a city that embodies the spirit of its namesake – defender and protector. Throughout history, Paris has been a center of political and social change, from the French Revolution to the student protests of 1968.
In times of crisis, Parisians have shown their resilience and strength in coming together to defend their city and way of life. The attacks on November 13, 2015, which killed 130 people, were a tragic reminder of this strength as Parisians rallied together in solidarity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris is called Alexandros because it honors the bravery and courage of its namesake. But beyond its name, Paris stands as a symbol of resilience and strength in times of adversity. Its legacy continues to inspire people around the world to defend what they hold dear and stand up for what is right.