The Arch of Triumph: History

2011-02-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Arch Of Triumph or The Arc de Triomph in Paris. The symbol of France.

The Arch of Triumph was equipped in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte, after his great victory at Austerlitz, but it wasn’t completely finished until 1836. There are four beautiful sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. The purpose was to commemorate The Triumph of 1810 (Cortot); Resistance, and Peace (both by Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers, which everyone knows as the La Marseillaise. (French national anthem).

La Marseillaise by François Rude; One of four reliefs on the pillars of the Arch, represents the day the battle of verdun started in 1916, there is a figure carrying a sword which represents the day the republic broke off.

Carved around the top of the Arch of Triumph, are the names of the most important victories which were won during the Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 –1821). On the inside walls are found the names of the 558 generals who died in the different battles.

At a lower part, beneath the Arch of Triumph ares the Unknown soldiers, where they have and eternal flame to commemorate the dead of the two world wars.

Every Armistice Day, which is celebrated on November 11th, the President of France lays a wreath. On July 14th, the French national day, the Bastille Day, they have a military parade on the Champs Elysées, but they start at the Arch of Triumph. For all the important dates, a flag is vaulted on the ceiling inside of the Arch of triumph .

The Arch of Triumph