Bordeaux

Title

Bordeaux

Description

Map shows the city map of Bordeauy and two city views

ca. 1850

Artist

Henshall

Historical Description

Bordeaux is a city located in the southwest of France, about 45 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean on the Garonne River, which runs through the city in a wide arc. This shape of a crescent moon gave the city its name Port de la lune (Port of the Moon). The history of Bordeaux spans a period of almost 2300 years. It is characterized by Celts, Romans, Franks and the English-French conflict. Bordeaux has belonged to France without interruption since the middle of the 15th century. Over the centuries, the city has enjoyed three periods of economic prosperity, mainly due to the strategic location of its trade and transport links. In the 5th century, Bordeaux was conquered by the Visigoths and shortly afterwards by the Franks. From 1462 to 1790, Bordeaux was the seat of the parlement de Bordeaux, which was responsible for Aquitaine and exercised legislative, jurisdictional and executive powers on behalf of the Crown. Compared to other French provinces, the standard of living in Bordeaux and the surrounding area was high. The food supply was sufficient and the city benefited from a trade network through which local wine could be exported and English manufactured goods imported. The University of Bordeaux was founded in 1441. After an intermittent decline, Bordeaux experienced its third heyday in the 18th century thanks to the flourishing Atlantic maritime trade, particularly with the Antilles. During the French Revolution, Bordeaux became the capital of the Département of Gironde. During the Napoleonic Wars, huge contingents were moved towards Spain, passing through Bordeaux among other places. During the emerging industrialization, most of the large companies settled here and in the port area. Bordeaux began to grow together with its neighboring towns.