Lyon Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 17, 2024
Lyon Then
Lyon, a city of remarkable historical and cultural significance, is both the capital of the Rhône département and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes région in east-central France.
Situated at the picturesque confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon’s name reflects its ancient origins and rich heritage.
Derived from the Gallic Lugdunon, the name is believed to combine the Celtic elements “Lug” (possibly referring to the god of law and order or light) and “dunos” (meaning hill or fortress), alluding to the city’s founding on Fourvière Hill.
Roman influence transformed the name to Lugdunum, and Lyon became known as Caput Galliæ—”Capital of the Gauls.”
This legacy persists symbolically, as the Archbishop of Lyon is still titled the Primate of Gaul.
Historically, Lyon played diverse roles, including a revolutionary renaming to Commune-Affranchie in 1793, symbolizing its resistance during the French Revolution.
Today, Lyon’s historical layers are reflected in its enduring Franco-Provençal name, Liyon, and its status as a vibrant center of French history and culture.
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Lyon History
Lyon, one of France’s most historically significant cities, traces its origins to 43 BCE when a Roman military colony named Lugdunum was established.
This settlement quickly grew to prominence, becoming the capital of the Gauls and reaching its classical zenith in the 2nd century CE.
During this period, Christianity was introduced to Lyon, though its early adherents faced severe persecution, including under Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 177 CE.
In 197 CE, the city suffered devastation at the hands of Lucius Septimius Severus.
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By 1032, Lyon was incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire, but real authority resided with its influential archbishops, who hosted ecumenical councils in 1245 and 1274.
Lyon formally became part of France in 1312, marking a new chapter in its history.
The Renaissance heralded a golden age of prosperity for Lyon, fueled by the establishment of commercial fairs in 1464 and the arrival of Italian merchant bankers.
By the 17th century, the city had risen to prominence as Europe’s silk manufacturing hub, while its early embrace of printing in 1473 positioned it as a leading center for intellectual activity.
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However, the French Revolution brought turbulence; Lyon experienced economic hardship due to a declining silk industry and endured a siege in 1793 by republican forces.
Industrial expansion during the 19th century revived Lyon’s fortunes, transforming it into a significant industrial city.
The canuts, or silk workers, staged notable uprisings in 1831 and 1834, advocating for improved working conditions and pay.
Urban growth accelerated after the 1950s, with industrial and residential zones expanding around the city.
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The 19th century also saw the introduction of Lyon’s extensive funicular railway system in 1862, further facilitating development.
Lyon played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as both a center for Nazi occupation and a stronghold of the French Resistance.
Its intricate network of traboules, or secret passageways, enabled resistance fighters and citizens to evade Gestapo raids.
The city was liberated on September 3, 1944, by the 1st Free French Division and the Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur. Lyon’s legacy in this period is preserved at its Resistance Museum.
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Today, Lyon is a vibrant and diverse metropolis. Its Old Town, Vieux Lyon, is a Renaissance gem, while the city’s modern districts reflect its evolution into a bustling economic hub.
Industries such as textiles, chemicals, and metallurgy underpin Lyon’s economy, alongside thriving construction, food, and printing sectors.
As a cultural and educational center, Lyon boasts prestigious museums, theaters like the Opéra and the Célestins, and annual music and drama festivals held in the ancient Roman theatre at Fourvière.
Lyon’s global significance is further underscored by being the headquarters of Interpol.
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Lyon Now
Lyon, the third-most populous city in France, serves as a vibrant cultural and economic hub at the heart of the country’s second-largest urban area.
Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city is strategically positioned near the French Alps and close to major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Geneva.
As of January 2021, Lyon’s municipal population stood at 522,250, within a compact area of 48 km² (19 sq mi).
Including its suburbs and exurbs, the metropolitan area is home to over 2.3 million people, making it the second most populated urban region in France.
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Since 2015, Lyon and its 58 surrounding municipalities have formed the Metropolis of Lyon, a unique administrative body responsible for regional urban governance.
Historically, Lyon was the capital of the Gauls during the Roman Empire and remains the seat of an archbishopric whose titleholder is known as the Primate of the Gauls.
The Renaissance era marked Lyon as an economic powerhouse, particularly in silk production and weaving.
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Its significance extends to the arts and sciences, as Lyon is the birthplace of cinema, where the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph.
Today, its historical and architectural treasures—including Old Lyon, Fourvière Hill, the Presqu’île, and Croix-Rousse—are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Lyon is also celebrated for its culinary excellence, earning a reputation as a global gastronomic capital.
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Its famed Fête des Lumières, a light festival held every December, further cements its identity as the “Capital of Lights.”
Economically, Lyon thrives as a center for banking, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, with a burgeoning software industry focusing on video games and a growing start-up ecosystem.
Home to numerous universities and prestigious institutions, Lyon is the second-largest student city in France, attracting nearly 200,000 students.
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The city also hosts key international organizations, including Interpol, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and Euronews.
Recognized as a Beta city by the Globalization and World Rankings Research Institute, Lyon ranked second in France and 40th globally in Mercer’s 2019 liveability rankings, highlighting its appeal as a dynamic, livable, and globally connected metropolis.
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FAQs
Lyon is famous for its rich history, UNESCO-listed architecture, exceptional cuisine, and status as the birthplace of cinema.
It’s also known for its silk industry, the Fête des Lumières festival, and as a hub for culture, education, and innovation.
No, Lyon is not a city in Paris. It is a separate city located in east-central France, approximately 391 km (243 miles) southeast of Paris.
Lyon is in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. France does not have states like the U.S., but regions serve a similar administrative role.
Lyon is generally more affordable than Paris but still relatively expensive compared to smaller French cities. Living costs vary depending on lifestyle, with housing and dining being significant factors.