Rouen

Rouen (pronounced {{IPA|/ʀuɑ̃/}} in French, sometimes also {{IPA|/ʀwɑ̃/}}) is the historical capital city of Normandy, in northwestern France, and presently the capital of the Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy) région. Once one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe, Rouen was the seat of the Exchequer of Normandy in the Middle Ages. It was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties, which ruled both England and large parts of modern France from the 11th century to the 15th century. It is in Rouen that the English burnt Joan of Arc in 1431.

History

Rouen was probably founded by the Romans who called it Rotomagus. Rouen was the chief city of the Secunda Provincia Lugdunensis under Constantine. In the 5th century it became the seat of the bishopric and later a capital of Neustria. In the 9th century, it was overrun by Normans and since 912 has been the capital of Normandy and residence of the dukes.

Related Topics:
Romans - Secunda Provincia Lugdunensis - Constantine - 5th century - Neustria - 9th century - Normans - 912 - Normandy - Dukes

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On April 16, 1203 Philippe Auguste entered Rouen and definitively annexed Normandy to the French Kingdom in 1204.

Related Topics:
April 16 - 1203 - Philippe Auguste - French Kingdom - 1204

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During the Hundred Years' War, on January 19, 1419, Rouen surrendered to Henry V of England who made Normandy a part of England. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431.

Related Topics:
Hundred Years' War - January 19 - 1419 - Henry V of England - Normandy - England - Joan of Arc - Burned at the stake - May 30 - 1431

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The city was heavily damaged during World War II, and its famed cathedral was almost destroyed by Allied bombs. The city and cathedral were rebuilt after the war.

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