page_title: History of Metz
section_title: Integration in the kingdom of France
hierarchical_section_title: History of Metz / Integration in the kingdom of France
caption_attribution_description: English: Entrance of king Henri II of France in Metz, ending of the Republic of Metz. Oil painting of Auguste Migette.
context_page_description: Metz, the capital and the prefecture of both the Lorraine region and the Moselle department in France, has a recorded history dating back over 3,000 years. During this time, it was successively a Celtic oppidum, an important Gallo-Roman city, the Merovingian capital of the Austrasia kingdom, the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty, a cradle of Gregorian chant, and one of the oldest republics of the common era in Europe. As an important city in the heart of Europe and the crossroads of different cultures, Metz has variously experienced an integration into the Roman Empire, the period of christianization, the barbarian depredations, religious wars, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, an annexation into the German Empire, and World War II.
context_section_description: In 1552, King Henry II of France and members of the Schmalkaldic League signed the Treaty of Chambord and Metz was passed de facto to the hands of the Kings of France. The population of the city peacefully accepted the conditions of the treaty. Emperor Charles V during the Italian War of 1551–1559 made military attempt to forcibly regain the overlordship over Metz, besieging the city in 1552–1553. However, his troops were defeated by the French army defending the city under the command of Francis, Duke of Guise, and Metz remained French. A bridge castle from the 13th century, the Germans' Gate, which played a crucial defensive role during the siege, is still visible today, and bullet impacts from the muskets used during the assaults can be seen on its facade.
  Under the rule of the Kings of France, important constitutional changes were made to the Republic of Metz. While the aldermen continued to administer the city, they were appointed by a Royal Governor, representative of the king, and the Bishops came back to Metz. Later, an Intendant and a Bailiff were sent to enforce the king's authority in the city, ending ultimately the Republic of Metz in 1634. The Peace of Westphalia recognized de jure Metz as part the Kingdom of France in 1648, and the city was selected as capital of the Three Bishoprics of Metz, Toul, and Verdun. Metz was then a strategic fortified town of France with the erection of a citadel by Vauban and Cormontaigne.
caption: Ending of the Republic of Metz. Entrance of Henri II, King of France on 18 April 1552.
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