Nice

We are going to explain to you the history of our wonderful city

Firstly, we are going to star with the Foundation of the city :The first known human settlements in the Nice area date back approximately 400,000 years theTerra Amata archeological site shows one of the earliest uses of fire and construction of houses are dated as around 230,000 years old.Nice was probably founded around 350 BC by theGreeks of Massilia (Marseille), and was given the name of Nikaia in honour of a victory over the neighbouring Ligurians(Nike is the Greekgoddess of victory). The city soon became one of the busiest trading ports on the Ligurian coast; but it had an important rival in the Roman town of Cemenelum, which continued to exist as a separate city until the time of theLombard invasions. The ruins of Cemenelum are located in Cimiez, which is now the place where we live.
Then we are going to continu with the early developmentIn the 7th century, Nice joined theGenoeseLeague formed by the towns of Liguria. In 729 the city repulsed the Saracens; but in 859 and again in 880 the Saracens pillaged and burned it, and for most of the 10th century remained masters of the surrounding country.
During the Middle Ages, Nice participated in the wars and history of Italy. As an ally ofPisa it was the enemy ofGenoa, and both the King of France and the Emperor endeavoured to subjugate it; but in spite of this it maintained itsmunicipal liberties. During the course of the 13th and 14th centuries the city fell more than once into the hands of theCounts of Provence, but finally remained independent even if related to Genoa.
In 1388 the commune placed itself under the protection of the Counts of Savoy. Nice participated - directly or indirectly - in the history of Savoy up until 1860.
The maritime strength of Nice now rapidly increased until it was able to cope with theBarbary pirates; the fortifications were largely extended and the roads to the city improved. In 1561Emmanuel Philibert,