Lyon, a Capital 

Lyon is a city of growth. Constructed and expanded on the banks of two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône), surrounded by two hills (Fourvière " the hill that prays " and the Croix-Rousse " the hill that works "), it has become an important European city in the course of 2000 years. Like its name " Capital of Gaul ", Lyon is also the renowned capital of Gastronomy, Silk, Printing, Murals, and Lights. 
 

Since Lugdunum 

 Called Lugdunum during the time of the Romans (from the name " Lug ", sun god, light, along with Arts and trades), Lyon was formed by 2000 years of history. It was not recognized as an important site until 43 a.d., the date on which Roman citizens fleeing from Vienne settled there. Lugdunum, crossroad of Roman routes in the west, welcomed representatives of the 3 Gaules (Lyonnaise, Aquitaine, Belges). The city developed quickly. Its position as a relay for Rome allowed for the construction of theaters, temples, and forums. 
 

  Lugdunum is closely linked to Christianity. The most important event regarding religious progress was the martyr of Pothin, Irénéé, and Blandine in 177. During the Middle Ages, after the reign of Charlemagne, the city temporarily fell under the authority of archbishops. Followed by important claims, it became autonomous and was managed by 12 consuls. 
 

Renaissance Lyon 

Prosperity came during the Renaissance. Henry IV, the king of France, asserted his position : Lyon was reestablished as a Center of Commerce as a result of its trade fairs, which attracted large numbers of foreigners. The silk industry defined its position in terms of luxury goods. The city, which enjoyed its rapid development, grew more and more but these calmer days were replaced by the war, which resulted in the separation between Catholics and Protestants. Lyon fell into the hands of this last group.

The intellectual circle of the 16th century was influenced by numerous artists and writers (such as the poet Louise Labé or the writer Rabelais), which confirmed Lyon's status as a city of exchanges. 
 

The Development of the Presqu'île

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the silk industry was established in Lyon. It was known all over Europe. The number of employed laborers was so significant that Lyon became the first working class city in France under the Ancient Régime. This activity was then moved to the presqu'île : the economic and institutional life was established there ; the major hospitals, churches and a convent were constructed and made the presqu'île what it is today.

Quickly overpopulated, the presqu'île was no longer sufficiant. The city was then extended to the south of Perrache with the joining of île Moigniat and to the east with the urbanization of the Brotteaux district. 
 

The Industrial City 
The invention of better performing weaving looms by Jacquard was a symbol of industrial growth, an undoubtable prosperity, but also of the first large social crises initiated by the silkworkers (Canuts), starting in 1831.

Lyon, the future location of industry, commerce, and finance (Crédit Lyonnais was created in 1863), changed its landscape : major roads cut across the city, monuments were built (like the Large Theater, the Fourvière Basilica, or the Law Courts). Major figures changed the destiny of the city : Ampère, Claude Bernard or the Lumières Brothers, for example, brought the city international renown. 
 

Contemporary Lyon

The development of Lyon was marked, at the beginning of the 20th century, by two major figures, mayor Edouard Herriot and architect Tony Garnier, who would be key in modernizing the city. During World War II, Lyon, unoccupied up until 1942, became a " capital " of the French Revolution : The underground press, the resistance network and the arrest of the famous Jean Moulin in Caluire displayed the importance of the city's role during this time period. 

The reconstruction of the city after the war, integrally linked to the ambition of its leaders, made it a European metropolis : development of transportation networks (Satolas Airport, now Saint Exupéry, subway system, main roads between Paris, Lyon, and Marseille), new establishments (Palais des Congrès, Hospitals) and cultural sites (Ravel Auditorium, Gallo-Roman Museum). In 1968, Lyon and its neighboring communities formed the 2nd largest urban area in France. 
 

Lyon Tomorrow

Lyon's position as a large European city has remained constant. For its entry into the 21st century, Lyon gave itself a new image. The reestablishment and development of its heritage earned Lyon the privilege of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site (December 1998). 5 districts attest to the remarkable developmental continuity of the city. Today, Lyon continues to develop.

Three geographic sectors are now in the spotlight : Vaise, for the establishment of a new economic area ; the Cité Internationale (Interpol, cinematography complex, Contemporary Art Museum, a Convention Center, a large hotel ..) ; finally the Confluence, a redevelopment project concerning the area south of presqu'île.

The city, enriched and preserved, with 2000 years of experience, is now, more than ever, turned towards the future. 
 
 
 

More Informations
 

The officiel site of  Lyon City

Lyon Confluence

Archives de Lyon 
 
 

Extract from : Lyon-france.com