Arc De Triomphe

Did you know?

It took 30 years to finish the Arc de Triomphe, and no wonder: it’s incredibly elaborate.

Arc De Triomphe

Why was it built?

Napoleon Bonaparte asked for the Arc de Triomphe. He wanted to commemorate famous French victories and honour the men who had fought and died.

What does the Arc de Triomphe show?

The monument shows battle scenes called friezes. Above these friezes are shields engraved with the names of major French victories in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The names of men who died, including generals, are written on the inside walls.

Modern use of the Arc de Triomphe

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is underneath the Arc de Triomphe. The body of an unknown World War 1 soldier was buried there on Armistice Day in 1920. An eternal flame was lit to commemorate all of the unidentified soldiers who died in World War 1(now World War 2 as well). Every year the French Armistice Day memorial service takes place at the Arc de Triomphe.

Learning resources

Example Questions

  • Who wrote Les Miserables?

  • Where was Napoleon Bonaparte born?

  • What is buried underneath the Arc du Triomphe?

  • When did Napoleon Bonaparte die?

  • Describe Napoleon’s battle strategies.

  • Who asked for the Arc du Triomphe to be designed?

  • What happens at every year at the Arc du Triomphe?

  • When was the story Les Miserables set?

  • What is the name of the famous battle where Napoleon was finally defeated?

Graduate Award links:

Pupils who wish to become Graduates in the available study topics can elect to study at home and in school during their own time, taking the Graduate Test when they know they are ready.

Upon graduation, they will receive a badge which they can wear on their school uniform with pride.

This will further demonstrate to their peers, parents, visitors and the wider community just how dedicated they are to their studies.