Arc de Triomphe - November 22, 08

With each place I post about, I am going to put a little information about it because, well, this is my journal too, and there is no way years down the road I am going to remember what I do now about it. I probably will end up missing things I learned then because of Disney World, oh well. :D

Anyway, one of the places we visited on day 1 in Paris was the Arc de Triomphe. After his greatest victory, the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, Napoleon promised his men, "You shall go home beneath triumphal arches." The first stone of what was to become the world's most famous triumphal arch was laid the following year. But disruptions to architect Jean Chalgrin's plans and the demist of Napoloeonic power delayed the completion of this monumental building until 1836. Standing 164 feet high, the arch is now the customary starting point for victory celebrations and parades in Paris.

Around the roof are thirty shields that bear the name of victorious Napoleonic battles fought in either Europe or Africa. The east facade shows the departure of the French armies for new campaigns. The west side shows their return.

Driving towards the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc is in the middle of a round a-bout that is super crazy to drive in. Driving in Paris will be in a post of its own.

Twelve avenues radiate from the arc at the center. Some bear the names of important French military leaders, such as avenues Marceau and Foch.

This sculpture on the Arc of Francois Rude's work shows citizens leaving to defend the nation in 1792.

Here we are in front of the huge Arc de Triomphe.

This is the tomb of the Unknown Solider from France from World War 1.

Officers of the Imperial Army are listed on the walls of the smaller arches.