Arc de Triomphe

   In 1806, Emperor napoléon 1 commissioned the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in paris as a monument to his troops. it was completed and dedicated in 1836, and was constructed according to the plans of jean-françois chalgrin and completed after his death by J. A. Raymond in the neoclassical style. it was inspired by the ancient Roman arch of Constantine but is twice its size. with its colossal proportions (50 m high by 45 m wide), the monument dominates Paris. Twelve avenues radiate from its center (Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly Place de l'Étoile), and is situated at the western end of the Champs-Elysées. The inner walls of the arch bear the names of Napoléon's military victories and of many of his generals. Sculptures in high relief by F. Rude, J. Pradier, J. P. Cortot, and A. Elex depict such themes as "victory" and "la Marseillaise." Since 1920, the tomb of the unknown soldier has lain beneath the arch where an eternal flame is also kept burning. The arch has been the scene of important historical events, including the return of Napoléon's remains from St. Helena in 1840, and charles de gaulle's victory parade through Paris in 1944 after the liberation of the city.