Editing Nice (section)

==='''Middle Ages and modernity'''===

For several centuries, Nice swung between the French and the Italian dominion. It was only in 1861 that Nice ultimately became part of France once and for all, but until then, Nice grew as military force under the rule of Provence, of the Counts of Savoy and of Napoleon III. However, during all these centuries, Nice also underwent periods of famine and plague, pillage and destruction owed to either natural calamities or enemies’ attacks.

The Saracens and the Ottomans were the main non-European forces who attempted to enforce their rule in Nice. In fact, one of the most picturesque and anecdotal accounts in relation to the Ottoman episode refers to a story about the salutary “contribution” of a local laundress who displayed her generous and ill-favored behind to the invading forces that, repulsed by the sight, decided to retreat. In honoring the valuable input of the laundress (Catherine Segurane), Nice made her the patron saint of the city.