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Arras (BATTLES OF large commerce)

BATTLES OF large commerce in cotton and stuffs, hosiery, lace, pottery, etc. Arras has been the theater of many memorable historical events, and was fortified by Vauban, in the reign of Louis XIV. Robespierre was born here, as was also Damiens, the assassin of Louis XV. During the Middle Ages, Arras was famed for its tapestry, richly figured hangings that adorned the halls of the kings and the nobles. They were known under the name of arras; but have been for a long time superseded by the tapestry of the Gobelins. Arras was the capital of the Celtic Atrebates (whence the name), and consequently of the province of is. As such it was long a part of Artois.

Burgundy. It was ceded to France in 1482; attached to Austria in 1493; and finally became French in 1640, when Louis XIII. took it after a long siege.

In the World War the town was wrecked by bomdardments. The Germans attacked the place three times in October, 1914. From Oct. 20 to 26 Arras was under heavy fire. Eventually the French under General Maud'huy drove the Germans back so far that their howitzers could no longer threaten the town. Pop. about 26,000.