Paris today is one of the largest cities in the world, in 2012 it was the most visited country in the world, with 83 million visitors. Paris, the capital of France, is the main attraction. France was not always the destination it is today, once, barely perceptible, a springboard for Caesar's conquests across Europe (Handford, 155). Different geographical features and individuals have played a vital role in the development of the country. The reign of Francis I was instrumental in helping shape the city and country into what they are today. Francis I is partly credited with starting the French Renaissance, attracting many famous artists, including Leonardo Da Vinci. The development of Paris involves many aspects to consider, but the successes and aspirations of Francis I of France play an important role in making the city what it is today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayR. J. Knecht explains the life and exploits of Francis in his book The Valois, the Valois were the royal family in France from 1328 to 1589; Francis I reigned from 1515 to 1547. Knecht, an expert French historian of the 16th century, speaks of Francis I's successes in terms of his court, building achievements, and love of art. One idea that the reader clearly gets from reading is the fact that Francis had influence and power. Artists from all over the world traveled to work for him. The king was respected, powerful and rich. The royal court has of course always existed, but during Francis' reign it was transformed into a much more respectable department. In French court terms “The king prided himself on being easily accessible to his subjects.” (153). Being so accessible to the people may mean that the king is not afraid to face it, this shows that he was sure that his people would accept him. He would certainly be less likely to show himself to his subjects if they were unhappy. This shows that Francis knew his empire was thriving and was respected for this. Francis showed off his power by parading throughout his country. The court consisted of six departments to provide and care for the royal family (153). The most important were the chapel, the chamber, the hotel, the fourriere and the venerie. The king's power was so vast that the court consisted of "up to ten thousand people with a corresponding number of horses." (155). The court brought with it its own furniture and luxuries such as gold plates. When the king traveled around France, his furniture was brought with him. He traveled regularly; a Venetian said: “Never during our entire embassy has the court been in the same place for fifteen consecutive days.” (155). The way the king is portrayed throughout the play paints him as confident and unpredictable. This constant movement of the court was new to France and allowed Francis to show more influence. Nobles often visited the court to seek the king's favor and gain a title or position, but often the king could not be found because he was out hunting. The reason his court moved may have been because he was following herds or packs, but it may also have been to spread influence. There was no television or newspaper press, so the way a king exposed himself to his subjects was by visiting different parts of the nation. Whenever Francis I visited a Providence for the first time, he was offered a procession to welcome him (155). Propaganda would have spread and monuments could have been erected for the king's arrival. The court amply demonstrated the king's influence. Francesco was a great builder. Not only did he finance the construction of the
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