Limoges

Limoges (Limòtges in Occitan) is a city and commune in France, the préfecture of the Haute-Vienne département, and the administrative capital of the Limousin région. Population city : 137,502 (limougeauds), urban area: 247,944.

History

Limoges was founded as Augustoritum by Caesar Augustus around 10 BC and occupied an important crossroads. Numerous Roman monuments were built: a bridge made of stone over the initial ford, a forum on the shelf of the hillside, several thermae, a vast amphitheatre, meant to outshine those at Arles or Nîmes, a theatre on the banks of the Vienne River, underground aqueducts, an orthogonal lined street, and luxurious dwellings.

Related Topics:
Caesar Augustus - 10 BC - Roman monuments - Forum - Thermae - Amphitheatre - Arles - Nîmes - Theatre - Vienne River - Aqueduct

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Starting in the 4th century, the city was progressively deserted by its own inhabitants and underwent an irreversible looting.

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Saint Martial, the first bishop of Limoges, proselytized the area and was memorialized in the abbey, which became rich through its pilgrimage traffic. The abbey gained its independence from the bishop of Limoges in the 9th century, and became famous for its library, the second largest in France after Cluny and scriptorium, and as one of the birthplaces of polyphonic music.

Related Topics:
Saint Martial - Bishop of Limoges - Abbey - Pilgrimage - Bishop - 9th century - Library - Cluny - Scriptorium - Polyphonic music

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The dual structure of medieval Limoges was often at cross purposes. The city, headed by the Bishop, centered round the cathedral and the Bishop's residence. The walled and moated chateau of the Viscounts of Limoges stood near the walled abbey.

Related Topics:
Cathedral - Viscounts of Limoges

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The city of Limoges was famous in the Middle Ages for its enamels on copper, which were exported throughout Christendom.

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The CGT trade union was founded in Limoges on September 23, 1895.

Related Topics:
CGT - Trade union - September 23 - 1895

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Limoges was a center of the maquis resistance to the Vichy puppet government of the Nazis.

Related Topics:
Maquis - Vichy - Nazis

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