NICE, FRANCE

The Massilians founded Nice 2,500 years ago. Its situation soon made it one of the busiest trading stations on the Ligurian coast. But in those days the price of prosperity was continual warfare. The Saracens descended on Nice in 729; and though at that time they were repulsed, in the next century they captured the city and burned it.

All through the Middle Ages, Nice had its share in the wars and disasters of Italy. It had to fight both Genoa and France, and on the sea its merchantmen were attacked by Barbary pirates. Finally in 1388 it placed itself under the protection of the counts of Savoy. In this way it was protected on land and could devote its strength to taking care of the pirates.

But bad fortune seemed to hover over the city. Invading armies devastated the land, and then pestilence and famine raged for several years. In 1543 Nice was attacked by the united forces of Francis I and Barbarossa. After a brave resistance the city was compelled to surrender, and was pillaged by the conquerors.

Then followed many years of alternate war and peace; until finally Nice was captured in 1792 by the armies of the French republic. It continued to be a part of France till 1814; but at that time it reverted to Sardinia. Then, in 1860, by a treaty between the Sardinian king and Napoleon III, it was again transferred to France, in whose possession it is today.

The city of Nice is a great winter resort for invalids and others from all parts of Europe. It is situated on the Mediterranean 100 miles east of Marseilles. A steep limestone hill, 308 feet in height, running back for some distance from the shore, is the historical nucleus of the town. It used to be crowned by a castle, which, previous to its destruction by the Duke of Berwick in 1706, was one of the strongest fortresses on the coast. Now it is a public pleasure ground.

Nice is a great commercial town. Grapes, olives, oranges, and mulberries are grown profusely, and in the city there are perfumery factories, oilworks, furniture factories, confectionery works, a national tobacco factory, and many others.

For the comfort and entertainment of visitors every provision is made. Autumn is the best season. Nice is at its liveliest during the carnival festivities. In these carnivals battles are waged with sweetmeats and flowers.

GENOA, ITALY

GENOA, ITALY, a busy center of modern enterprise and activity, is the subject of one of the intaglio-gravure pictures illustrating “The Mediterranean.”

Monograph Number Five in The Mentor Reading Course

PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION