On Notre-Dame Cathedral

The famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France just recently caught fire and partially burnt down, losing the iconic spire and two thirds of the roof. Stating construction in 1160, largely completed in 1260, and modified multiple times since, the cathedral is more than a religious icon. It is also a testament of human capabilities, what groups of people can do with tools and knowledge of geometry. It is one of the most important pieces of French Gothic architecture. The fire was not the only threat the cathedral has faced. In 1763, during the French Revolution, many treasures were plundered or outright destroyed. It had also taken minor damage during the liberation of Paris in August of 1944. President Macron's vow to rebuild the Cathedral is another cycle of renovations that has enabled the Cathedral to stand for 850 years. Eventually, all things built by man will crumble. But for the foreseeable future, Notre Dame stands.


Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Notre-Dame-de-Paris
               https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_de_Paris

Image: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP-Getty Images via Chicago Tribune.

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