Editing Senlis (section)

== History==
Senlis was known in early Roman imperial times as Augustomagus and later as Civitas Silvanectium ("City of the Silvanectes").<ref name="athenapub">{{cite web|last=Athena Review, Vol.4, No.2|title=The Roman Wall of Senlis|url=http://www.athenapub.com/14senlis-wall.htm}}</ref> During the 3rd century, a seven-meter high defensive wall, about half of which still exists, was erected around the settlement in response to [[Franks|Frankish]] incursions.<ref name="athenapub" /> The wall remained in use into the 13th century. The town also featured a Roman amphitheatre, the remains of which are still visible, about 500 m west of the walled town. The amphitheatre seated as many as 10,000 people and was used for public meetings, theatre, gladiatorial combats, and animal hunts.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Three Gallo-Roman Multi-Purpose Theatres|publisher=JSTOR|author=Bruce Klee|journal=Educational Theatre Journal|pages=516–520|date=December 1975|volume=27|issue=4|doi=10.2307/3206386|jstor=3206386}}</ref> The monarchs of the early French dynasties lived here, attracted by the proximity of the [[Chantilly Forest]] and its venison, and built a castle on the foundations of the Roman settlement. In 987, Archbishop [[Adalbero of Reims]] called together an assembly, and asked them to choose [[Hugh Capet]] as king of France. However, the monarchs of France soon abandoned the city, preferring [[Compiègne]] and [[Fontainebleau]]. New life was given to the city in the 12th century, and ramparts were built. The popularity of the city later fell, and it slipped into decline. Today it remains an attraction for tourists for its long history and its links to the French monarchy.

The town saw fighting in [[World War I]], with the [[Germans]] occupying the town in early September 1914. The mayor, Eugène Odent was executed by the [[Germans]] along with six other civilian [[hostage]]s: a tanner, a carter, a cafe waiter, a chauffeur, a baker's helper and a stonecutter.<ref>Tuchman, Barbara. ''[[The Guns of August]]''; New York: Ballantine Books, 1994; p. 477</ref> In addition, the [[Train station|Train Station]] and [[Courthouse]] was burned down, along with other buildings. The town was later liberated that same year, by the [[French Army]].