Aux portes de Paris : savoirs sociaux urbains et épreuves de seuils au XVIe siècle
6,00 €
During the 16th century, due to its exceptional demographic growth, the city of Paris expanded
beyond her medieval walls, which were, however, still vital for protection from all types of
enemies. The article proposes to study how this tension between military defense and urban growth
crystallised at the gates of the city and how it actually shaped the experience of Parisians, suburban
inhabitants and all the people who wanted to enter the capital city of France. Through official municipal
regulations and legal records, gates are a privileged locus to analyse the ordinary practices, representations
and interests of various actors. Coming and going into the city was an everyday activity
for which special urban social skills, were needed, in particular during the French Wars of Religion,
when more strict and formal police procedures were strengthened on the city edges.
During the 16th century, due to its exceptional demographic growth, the city of Paris expanded
beyond her medieval walls, which were, however, still vital for protection from all types of
enemies. The article proposes to study how this tension between military defense and urban growth
crystallised at the gates of the city and how it actually shaped the experience of Parisians, suburban
inhabitants and all the people who wanted to enter the capital city of France. Through official municipal
regulations and legal records, gates are a privileged locus to analyse the ordinary practices, representations
and interests of various actors. Coming and going into the city was an everyday activity
for which special urban social skills, were needed, in particular during the French Wars of Religion,
when more strict and formal police procedures were strengthened on the city edges.