Roman remains
Friday, August 13, 2010 Publié par Eric Tenin
There are many Roman remains in Paris even though the Romans left a long long time ago ;-) (the end of the 5th century). Most of them are to be found on the left bank, where the Romans actually settled down originally (that is why a part of it is called the "Latin quarter"). These remains I found in Parc Monceau, in the 17th arrondissement, on the right bank, very far away from where the Romans used to live. No wonder then, that they are totally fake and just part of the garden decor made by Louis de Carmontelle then man who designed the garden back in 1778!
August 13, 2010 12:34:00 AM GMT+02:00
Oh, Louis, you cheater! Well, they do look good. I had a friend whose very wealthy parents' house faced the Parc Monceau—and with them it was all about what looked good!
August 13, 2010 1:28:00 AM GMT+02:00
The English and French would put follies in their gardens to symbolize classical virtues during the 18th century. This info cost my poor father about 10,000 dollars at Boston University.
August 13, 2010 2:06:00 AM GMT+02:00
They are lovely to look at either way!
LOL Phx. Thanks for the free info!
Alexa: it's always about what looks good. ;-)
August 13, 2010 2:28:00 AM GMT+02:00
"Latin Quarter" doesn't reference the Ancient Romans, just the language of their church! The name refers to the language of learning in the middle ages, used by students and teachers at the University of Paris
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_Quarter,_Paris
August 13, 2010 2:54:00 AM GMT+02:00
I don't know if I shared this info on PDP before, but one day a flight attendant who had never flown Paris before, asked me where the Spanish area was in Paris. I was stumped. After much thought, and sizing up the source,I finally had an ah ha moment and said, "You mean the Latin Quarter?"
August 13, 2010 3:22:00 AM GMT+02:00
That’s funny, phx-cdg, but I am a bit disappointed. Guess I have to unpack my zoot suit now.
August 13, 2010 4:34:00 AM GMT+02:00
I was sure looking forward to cruising des Champs Elysee. We were even practicing here.
August 13, 2010 6:06:00 AM GMT+02:00
I'm so glad that by the time I got to the Sorbonne, Latin was no longer the official language. Believe me, it was hard enough in French!
August 13, 2010 7:07:00 AM GMT+02:00
I feel like I learn something interesting and new from your posts every day (and the comments people leave here too) Eric!
August 13, 2010 11:52:00 AM GMT+02:00
So actually, it is not fake! It is 18. century imagining Roman period - which is so typical for 18. century Baroque style. I like it! :)
August 13, 2010 12:52:00 PM GMT+02:00
Best "little" park in Paris! I always wondered about those columns. They look so staged there and nobody could tell me anything about them. Now you've solved the mystery. Once again, thanks to the Eric "eye" and the "brain."
August 13, 2010 12:55:00 PM GMT+02:00
Very funny! I've always wondered about the garden plans that would have someone build a "ruin"! Kind of like scuffing up new furniture to make it look old. I've never quite figured it out. But lovely green. :)
August 13, 2010 7:59:00 PM GMT+02:00
Difficile de commenter aujourd'hui... J'hesite entre le cynisme (le côté phallique de ces deux objets sans doute!) et l'admiration (pour la/les trouvaille(s), les explications...).
LOL
TM
August 13, 2010 9:44:00 PM GMT+02:00
I wouldn't mind having them in my garden.
September 30, 2010 2:11:00 AM GMT+02:00
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