in re: search French [military] Victories
What an irony indeed... LOL
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Arch Of Triumph
12-2-2k 6:05 p.m. EST
By:
| st0ic |
| Fsix.net |
| st0ic@happyhack.zzn.com |
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L'Arc de Triomphe or Arch of Triumph was first commissioned to be built in 1806 by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte but was not completed until 15 years after his death; 1836. Napoleon's intent for the structure was for it to be a monument to his soldiers and his military victories. The arch was originally modeled after the Roman Triumphal Arches which were constructed so that victorious Roman generals or Emperors could march through them after famous victories.
L'Arc de Triomphe is 50 meters in height and 45 meters in width. The sides of the arch are decorated with depictions of military battles. Inside the arch itself, the names of 558 generals and less important military victories are engraved. Some of the names of the generals are underlined which means that those generals died in action while serving their country. Around the top section of the arch are engraved the names of famous battles the French won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. At the base of the arch there are four pillars that support four relief sculptures. The sculptures are The Triumph of 1810 (Cortot); Resistance , and Peace (both by Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers, but more commonly known by the name La Marseillaise (Rude). An odd thing had occurred with the sculpture called La Marseillaise on the day that the battle of Verdun began in 1916. France was at the time swept up in "The Great War" and the sword carried by a figure representing the Republic broke off. French officials did not want the French people in Paris to interpret this as being a bad omen, so it was immediately covered up and repaired.
The arch itself is located at the end of the best known road is Paris - Avenue des Champs Elysees. L'arc de Triomphe is in the center of 12 avenues that encircle it and it forms a six pointed star around the arch. Every year on the 14th of July, the French have a military parade that goes down the Avenue des Champs Elysees and onto the L'Arc de Triomphe. Also, there is now located under the arch a tomb for the unknown soldier whom died in World War I. Each night, a flame is lit at 6:30 p.m. in commemoration to the millions of French soldiers who have died serving France.
L'Arc de Triomphe to the French is a symbol of pride and French determination. Many famous events have taken place under the arch. On December 15, 1840, the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte were taken under the arch. In May 1885, the body of Victor Hugo, the famous writer, laid in state under the arch. On July 14, 1919 the French army marched under the arch in triumph after their victory in World War I. Later in 1920, the unknown soldier was laid to rest under the arch. During World War II when the Allies were pressing into Paris to liberate it, French partisans rallied under the arch while fighting the Germans within the city. The most recent focus point on the arch besides the celebrations that occur every year on July 14th, was when France won the World Cup in soccer in 1998.
L'Arc de Triomphe is a major tourist attraction and with 32 francs, one can go inside the arch or even to the top of the arch and have a spectacular view of Paris from its peak. More than simply a tourist attraction, L'Arc de Triomphe represents French heroism and pride for their country.
fsix.net
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[it would help if you insert the word soccer] -gg |
