Twenty Centuries of Paris

"Twenty Centuries of Paris" by Mabell S. C. Smith is a journey through time, charting the story of Paris from its prehistoric roots to its rise as a modern metropolis. Beginning with the earliest inhabitants and the Roman era of Lutetia, the book unfolds the transformation of a small village into a significant cultural and commercial center. It highlights key developments in early Parisian life, including the interplay of tribes, architectural advancements, and the beginnings of social and religious institutions, all the while emphasizing the adaptability inhabitants faced in their journey to making Paris a major European capital.