Why It's Called the Arc of the Star

The monument's full French name is Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, and since étoile means "star," it translates as the "Triumphal Arch of the Star." The name goes back to the early 18th century, when this spot was Place de l'Étoile, a square where five roads met like the points of a star. Paris's later redevelopment added seven more avenues, and today twelve roads radiate from the arch.

Triumphal arches were built to celebrate soldiers returning victorious from war, a tradition that began in ancient Rome. Napoleon wanted to follow that Roman custom and welcome his victorious troops home through an arch of their own.

The Arc also takes center stage at national occasions. Fireworks light it up every New Year's Day, the military parade on Bastille Day, July 14, starts here, and a commemoration is held each year on November 11, Armistice Day for World War I.

Whenever France marks a major moment, the Arc is at the heart of it, which is why it stands as both a witness to French history and the symbol of Paris.