History & Civilisation
The tiny Mediterranean town of Antibes has a long and interesting history which stretches back thousands of years. Due to its naturally protected port, the town has long been used as an important trading centre. Many different groups of people ruled over Antibes, until France finally took control. The town has retained much of its ancient charm, which makes it one of the more special towns along the famous French Riviera.
The Romans
As the Greek Empire fell into decline, the Romans stepped in to take control of the Mediterranean region. By the 2nd century BC, Rome had developed the southern region of France into one of its provinces and began incorporating the small towns into its empire.
In 43 BC, Antibes (or Antipolis, as it was then called) was officially annexed by Rome and remained so for the next 500 years. The Romans turned Antipolis into the biggest town in the region and a main entry point into Gaul. Roman artefacts such as aqueducts, fortified walls and amphora can still be seen today.
Medieval times
When the Roman Empire fell apart in 476, various barbarian tribes took their turn at Antibes. The main result was destruction and a long period of instability. In the 10th century, Antibes found a protector in Seigneur Rodoart, who built extensive fortified walls around the town and a castle in which to live. For the next 200 years, the town experienced a period of renewal.
The recession
Antibes’ prosperity was short-lived, as the whole region fell into disarray for several centuries. The inhabitants of Antibes stayed behind their strong city walls as a succession of wars and epidemics ravaged the countryside. By the end of the 15th century, the entire region had fallen under the protection and control of Louis XI, the king of France. Things returned to a state of relative stability, but the small port of Antibes fell into obscurity.
The revival
The area around Antibes finally emerged from its long slumber around the middle of the 19th century, as wealthy people from around Europe discovered the beauty of the place and built luxurious homes here. In 1880, the neighbouring town of Juan les Pins was restored by the Duke of Albany, son of Queen Victoria, and brought into fashion as a destination for the wealthy and elite.
Antibes today
Antibes Juan-les-Pins is a town where sport is quite important. There are more than 27,000 enrolled sportsmen and women with permits in the 100 clubs and sporting facilities, as well as high-ranking sportsmen and women from French teams and the National Training Centre for basketball. Antibes Juan-les-Pins also closely guards its environment and the quality of life of its residents. On 25 May 1999, the town was the first in the department to sign the State Charter of the Environment, planning numerous projects to conserve the environment and respect the quality of life. Antibes Juan-les-Pins is optimistic about the future with a population comprising 25% of inhabitants under 25 years of age. The town continues to harmoniously develop in the areas of sport, economy and culture, respecting the environment and the well-being of residents.
Article Retrieved from: Wikipedia
