Soissons Before and During the War

Soissons is a city whose story stretches back to the Gauls, when the Suessiones tribe gave the town its name. The narrative walks listeners through its transformation from the Roman settlement of Augusta Suessionum to a Frankish capital, highlighting key moments such as Clovis’s victory in 486 and the rise of the early French monarchies. Along the way, the book reveals the rich religious life, the impressive Roman theatre, and the legacy of artisans like the martyr‑shoe‑makers Crispin and Crispinian.

The work then turns to the modern era, showing how Soissons’s position on the Aisne made it a frequent target in wars that swept across Europe. Detailed accounts of the 1870 siege, the harrowing German bombardment of 1914, and the brief occupations of 1914 and 1918 bring the city’s wartime experience to life. By blending archaeological findings, contemporary reports, and personal testimonies, the author paints a vivid portrait of a community that endured hardship while preserving its historic heart.