Rovanne. Rouanne est a douze lieues de Lion dans un terrouer fertil, et dans une belle situation, les Peres Capucins,..

Title

Rovanne. Rouanne est a douze lieues de Lion dans un terrouer fertil, et dans une belle situation, les Peres Capucins,..

Totalview of the town of Roanne in France. Below, a description of the town in Latin and French.

ca. 1650

Artist

Mariette (1603-1657)

Pierre Mariette (1603–1657), who was already a book printer with engravings and books. His grandson was Jean Pierre Mariette, (1694-1774), he was a French engraver, collector and art critic.

Historical Description

Roanne was already settled during Celtic times and belonged to the territory of the Segusiavi. The name comes from the Gaulish “Rod Onna” (“flowing water”) and evolved over the centuries into “Rodumna” and later “Roanne.” In the Middle Ages, its strategic location below a narrow point of the Loire River provided advantages. The preserved donjon (keep) of the old castle dates back to the 12th century and served defensive purposes. In the 18th century, Roanne developed into a center of cotton textile production in the lead-up to the Industrial Revolution. During this period, the city even earned the nickname “City of a Hundred Chimneys” – a reflection of its boom as a textile hub with numerous factories.