Paris Circa 1180

In the Middle Ages the city began to develop districts which showed Paris as France’s cultural capital.

North of the Seine,(the Right Bank), became the center of commerce. It is where the central market, workshops, stores and the port were located.

South of the Seine, (the Left Bank), was where the new University of Paris was established by the Church and Royal Court. Scholars were trained in law, theology and mathematics. Also located on the South Bank were the two great monasteries of Paris: the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève.

The year 1180 was significant for Paris, France due to changes in royal rule that influenced the city’s growth and development. Here are some notable events:

Ascension of Philip II: Philip II, also known as Philip Augustus, became King of France in 1180 following the death of his father, Louis VII. Philip II’s reign would be significant for Paris as he invested heavily in infrastructure and defense, including the construction of a wall around the city, the building of the Louvre as a fortress, and the paving of main streets, contributing to Paris’s growth and prominence.

Marriage of Philip II: In the same year, Philip II married Isabella of Hainaut. This marriage was politically significant as it strengthened his alliances.

Jewish Expulsion: In a move that reflected the anti-Semitism of the time, Philip II, shortly after taking the throne, decided to confiscate Jewish property and expel the Jews from Paris and other areas in his domain.

Expansion of University of Paris: While not directly tied to the year 1180, this period also saw the early growth and development of the University of Paris, which would become one of the most important centers of learning in Europe in the following century.