Introduction
This article will act as a brief introduction to the history and timeline of France. Starting with France’s founding and then covering France’s Monarchy, The French Republic, French Culture, World War Two, and Modern France.
Frances Founding
The area of Europe we know as France has evidence of Humans and human ancestors living in the area going as far back as 1.8 Million years ago. Evidence to support this is the numerous megalithic Structures you can find throughout France. By the Classical Era, the area was known as Gaul. Gaul is predominately known today as one of Rome’s greatest adversaries.
Eventually, the area was conquered by Julius Cesar and then colonized by Rome. With the colonization so came Roman culture and the benefits of being part of the Empire (such as roads, Roman infrastructure, and defense). In 212 CE, along with the rest of the Empire, citizens of Gaul were given full Roman citizenship.
Similar to many parts of Europe, France was shaped and influenced by the Roman colonization of the area. With influence being found in language, laws, coinage, and much more. The name of France even comes from the Latin version, Francia.
Middle Age France
Known as The Kingdom Of France during the Middle Ages., France was regularly attacked by Viking raiders looking to grow their wealth by attacking major cities and settlements. Eventually, Paris was sacked by a large Viking Army in 845 CE and would return to Paris three times between the years of 845 to 860 CE.
It was during the Middle Ages that France suffered from the Black Death. Some historians think that France was one of the most populous areas of Europe before the Black Plague.
However, one of the most notorious events to occur during this time and was perpetrated by King Philip IV was the mass execution of knight Templers on Friday, Oct 13th, 1307 CE.
Frances Monarchy
Frances Monarchy originally comes from West Francia. There were many notable rulers, such as King Philip IV discussed earlier. One of the widely known Royalty heads of France is Catherine de Medici. Known as the”Black Queen” she held an impressive amount of power and influence as the Queen of France. Originally born into the Florentine Family, the Medici, she was thrown into French politics at a young age after being married at 14 years old.
The Religion of Frances Monarchy has always been considered Catholic, along with Catholicism being the Religion of the Kingdom of France starting in 511 CE. They would remain a Catholic Monarchy along with it remaining the state religion until 1791 CE.
In 1791 CE, The kingdom of France would be dissolved alongside the removal of the Monarchy after the 1789 CE revolution. France then switched to a republic shortly after. The Monarchy would be restored once during the 19th century, but this wouldn’t last after the French Revolution of 1848 CE.
The French Republic
The French Republic started with a number of different Revolutions occurring within France. The Republic is perhaps one of French history’s most iconic periods. The image of the guillotine and other images which come to mind when discussing the early days of the French Republic is nothing but iconic.
The guillotine was invented in France would become a common spectacle during this time. It remained in use as one of the main execution methods well into the 20th century. Because of the now notorious executions, Paris remained the capital of the French Republic and grew into the city we know today for its world-renowned food and culture.
French Culture
France, like every country, has unique values and Ideas. People are aware about France’s focus on fine dining, style, and art. Many people are not as aware of France’s political values. France says to value individual expression, equality, and unity. Lately and sadly, this hasn’t been the case, with France targeting Muslims and ignoring the rising Anti Semitism within the country and the country’s universities.
France was once a champion of Liberty but seems to be headed away from the ideals of Liberty. It’s at risk of becoming oppressive rather than expressing the values that made the country amazing in the first place. Seeing as religious freedom is a key concept within liberty and individual freedom. This will be something France as a country will have to come to terms with.
World War Two
The landscape of the country has been continually shaped by war. Even today, bombs are still found from World War One and Two by farmers throughout the country. During World War Two, France was invaded by the Nazis, who would go on to establish a stronghold within France while also receiving an ample amount of support from a large amount of the citizen population of France.
After the events of D-Day, the Allied forces spent two months trying to reach
Paris. Once the Allied forces had reached the city, The country was liberated from the Nazi Occupation.
After World War Two, France was left devastated and its economy in ruins. Much of its infrastructure was destroyed. The country faced major challenges in rebuilding itself, which it accomplished through a combination of government investment and foreign aid.
Modern France
France has played a major within the overall history of Europe. Starting from the time of Gaul and into the modern age through wars, trade, marriages, art, food, and so much more. As a country, it’s now a member of the European Union and remains a country with a leading role in Europe’s growing economy and political outreach
At the same time, aspects of French culture can be seen as going too far in oppressing various religious groups and the expression of their own individual beliefs. France’s founding played an integral part in our History as a species, with the likely outcome it will remain a country that helps push humanity forward.
French Coins
Just as other European countries have, France has minted their own gold and silver coinage throughout its existence. Below is a link to all of the French gold coins we currently have in stock.
French Gold Coins
These are all of the Certified and Non-Certified French Gold Coins we have for sale currently.
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