Editing Antibes (section)

==<FONT COLOR="#3366FF">'''HISTORY OF ANTIBES'''</FONT>==

Due to its naturally protected port, the town of Antibes has long been an important trading centre. Many different people ruled over Antibes until France finally took control. As the Greek Empire fell into decline, it began incorporating the small towns into its empire. In 43 BC, Antibes (or Antipolis, as it was then called) was officially annexed by Rome and remained so for the next 500 years. The Romans turned Antipolis into the biggest town in the region and a main entry point into Gaul. Roman artefacts such as aqueducts, fortified walls and amphora can still be seen today.

When the Roman Empire fell apart in 476, various barbarian tribes took their turn at Antibes. The main result was destruction and a long period of instability. In the 10th century, Antibes found a protector in Seigneur Rodoart, who built extensive fortified walls around the town and a castle in which to live. For the next 200 years, the town experienced a period of renewal. Antibes’ prosperity was short-lived, as the whole region fell into disarray for several centuries. The inhabitants of Antibes stayed behind their strong city walls as a succession of wars and epidemics ravaged the countryside. By the end of the 15th century, the entire region had fallen under the protection and control of Louis XI, the king of France. Things returned to a state of relative stability, but the small port of Antibes fell into obscurity.

The area around Antibes finally emerged from its long slumber around the middle of the 19th century, as wealthy people from around Europe discovered the beauty of the place and built luxurious homes here. In 1926, the old castle of Antibes was bought by the local municipality and restored for use as a museum. Pablo Picasso came to town in 1946 and was invited to stay in the castle. He stayed for six months, painting and drawing many pieces of art as well as crafting ceramics and tapestries. When he departed, he left all his works here, and the castle officially became the Picasso Museum.

Today sport is important and the town hosts the National Training Centre for basketball. On 25 May 1999, the town was the first in the department to sign the State Charter of the Environment, planning projects to conserve the environment and respect the quality of life. 25% of inhabitants are under 25 years of age.

'''''More informations about the History of Antibes on the [[wikipedia:Antibes]] !'''''