50 Things You Didn't Know About France

50 Things You Didn't Know About France — page 1

50 Things You Didn't Know About France — page 2 — TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 HISTORY 4 Chapter 2 REVOLUTION AND EMPIRE 10 Chapter 3 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS 16 Chapter 4 DAILY LIFE 22 Chapter 5 CULTURE AND CUISINE 26 Glossary Index About the Author 30 31

50 Things You Didn't Know About France — page 3 — 4 CHAPTER 1 HISTORY Located smack dab in the middle of the continent France is Europe's largest country and for centuries has been at the crossroads of history Surrounded by seas on 3 sides and protected by mountains France's rich farmland mild climate and natural borders has made it a natural home for great civilizations throughout its history From its prehistoric beginnings through monarchy revolution empire and democracy the history of France is a sweeping saga and sometimes a bumpy ride BRITAIN BEL GERMANY France SWI FRANCE SPAIN ITALY Members of the European Union

50 Things You Didn't Know About France — page 4 — HISTORY 1 The earliest known inhabitants of what we now call France were a tribe of early humans called Celts or in French They called their land Gaul which is derived from a Celtic word for hero 2 The Celts also named the French capital Paris The city was built around a small island in the Seine river and the earliest inhabitants were boaters and fishermen The Celtic word for boat is so the people were called the boat people 3 Around 100 B.C.E. the land of Gaul was conquered by the Romans This invasion and occupation was a major victory for an up-and-coming up-and-coming Roman general who was headed for bigger things Julius Caesar I THINK I'M GOING TO LIKE IT HERE 5

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