Paris is the capital of France. For a long time this wonderful and beautiful city was a trendsetter and cultural center of all of Europe. Like any large settlement, Paris has its own heraldic symbols - the city's coat of arms, symbolizing the main material and spiritual values of the townspeople.
History of the formation of Paris
The history of the formation of Paris goes back to the time of the conquest of Europe by the Roman legionaries. The first mention of the future capital of France dates back to 212 AD. The city flourished in the XII-XIII century, during the reign of King Philip II Augustus. At this time, the city walls were erected and a fortress appeared - the Louvre.
Since the beginning of the 11th century, Paris has become practically the most significant center of secular and political life, culture, science and education in all of Europe. The most progressive views and the most daring fashions were born here. This magnificent city on the banks of the Seine gradually began to set the tone for all European powers.
History of the coat of arms of Paris
Officially, the coat of arms of Paris has existed since 1358. It was then that it was officially legalized by King Charles V. Since that moment, the coat of arms has been modified several times, but to an insignificant extent.
On June 20, 1790, after the Great French Revolution, all titles of nobility, family emblems and coats of arms were abolished in the country. Paris remained without a coat of arms until the order of Napoleon I in 1811. Louis XVIII returned the coat of arms to Paris in its original form.
View of the coat of arms of Paris
Today, the Parisian coat of arms is a heraldic shield. A white ship swaying on the waves is depicted on a red background. The ship on the coat of arms is a sign of trading companies and trade. It was this type of activity that has always brought Paris the foundation of its prosperity. Two powerful trade routes passed through the capital - land from the north and water, through the Seine, passing from East to West, leading to the waters of the Atlantic.
Gold lilies on a blue background, located at the top of the coat of arms - the emblem of the dynasty of the French Capetian kings. They were the patrons of Paris. Gradually, the lily became the main symbol of the royal house and monarchy in France and is depicted on all objects related to the French monarchy and monarchs.
At the top of the coat of arms is a crown of gold in the form of a powerful fortress wall with five towers. This is one of the forms of the element in heraldry, common throughout Western Europe.
The coat of arms is framed by a wreath of two types of trees - oak - a symbol of dignity - and laurel - a symbol of glory. At the bottom of the branches of laurel and oak, there is a heraldic ribbon with the motto "Fluctuat nec mergitur", which means - "It floats, but does not sink." In the middle, the Order of the Legion of Honor is attached to the ribbon, the Order of Liberation is on the left, and the Military Cross for the First World War 1914-1918 is on the right.
