Even though most people have the Roman Empire in their minds, the power it had and the territories they conquered through the years, it is interesting to go back in time and see the history of some countries when they were part of the Roman power.
Usually, from history there is known rivalry between Italy and France, all friendly of course (Well except the World Cup situation), there has always been a competition between the best wines, the best food, best language, and most beautiful cities.
Each country takes the victory in different categories, but we won’t be the judges here. We might start a friendly battle of opposite opinions.
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It wouldn’t be common to say you can live some part of the Roman empire’s history and some of Italy and France’s past, all of this right in Paris. If you have no time to visit Italy, a place that holds lots of the ancient Rome monuments, don’t worry you can still see part of their history on your trip in France.
Paris and the Roman Empire
Paris, originally called Lutetia (Lutèce in French), was founded by the Parisii, a Celtic tribe, around the 3rd century BC. In 52 BCE, after Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul, the Romans took control of the settlement. Under Roman rule, Lutetia became a strategic city, featuring Roman baths, a forum, an amphitheater Arènes de Lutèce, and roads like the Cardo Maximus, today’s Rue Saint-Jacques.
Amphithéâtre Arènes de Lutèce
A remarkably well-preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheater hidden in the Latin Quarter!
Most visitors associate Paris with medieval cathedrals, Haussmannian boulevards, and Belle Époque charm—not gladiator fights and Roman spectacles. Yet, this 15,000-seat arena once hosted brutal games, theatrical performances, and public gatherings.
The French version of the Colosseum, you could say, where you can learn about the stories of spectacles and gladiator fights take place.
The Roman legacy can still be seen in ruins like the Thermes de Cluny and the ancient streets of the Latin Quarter.
If you are passionate about history and you want more from Paris, go and explore the Ancient Roman Empire’s past!
