Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars is a vast public area in Paris, France, located in the 7th arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower to the northwest and the École Militaire to the southeast. Its name means "Field of Mars", from Mars the Roman god of war, because it was originally used for military training. It was probably named after the Campus Martius of Rome.

Related Topics:
Paris - France - 7th ''arrondissement'' - Eiffel Tower - École Militaire - Mars - Campus Martius - Rome

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During the French Revolution, the Champ de Mars was the setting of the Fête de la Fédération, on the 14 July 1790. It was also, ironically, the setting of a massacre on July 17, 1791, when a crowd collected to draft a petition seeking the removal of King Louis XVI, soldiers under the command of the Marquis de la Fayette opened fire, killing about 50 people.

Related Topics:
French Revolution - Fête de la Fédération - 14 July - 1790 - July 17 - 1791 - Louis XVI - Marquis de la Fayette

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