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Lyon: The Crossroad of the European Cultures Nam Youn Kim (Kangwon National University) The main focus of historical studies has traditionally been on historical events, the result being that regional qualities were only thought of as a simple backdrop. In France, for example, no other cities other than Paris has been the subject of serious research. The present paper intends to put forward another city, Lyon, as one just as important in French history. This study, however, does not simply mean to take up regional issues but at the same time purports to consider cultural issues in a broader perspective. Lyon comprises all the attributes that are associated with France, Rome, and such Celtic lands as Gaul. In the ancient Roman times Lyon was the focal point and was more important to Rome than Paris as it was perceived as the crossroad of Europe. Lyon, due to its favorable location, saw developments in regional industry, economy and culture, thereby becoming the hub of Christianity. Until the 12century, the city enjoyed the same stature as Paris as a major metropolis of Christianity. The cultural significance of Lyon can be deduced when you take into consideration the fact that Francois Rabelais, one of the literary giants of France, published his manuscript at Lyon. After Lyon was incorporated into the French Kingdom, it still maintained its premium as the second city only to Paris. Lyon's strong point lies in the fact that it was not only the crossroad of many different cultures but also a geographical location which functioned as a natural transportation hub so that it was also an economical crossroad. This geographical attribute brought about a renaissance in cuisinary art, and one can actually proclaim that it is Lyon and not Paris that should be acclaimed as the European cuisinary capital. Lyon, while guarding the traditional cuisine, embraced the internationalized cuisine of Paris and became the representative of French cuisine. While Paris is known as the birth place of cinema, the honor should actually be given to Lyon, since it was in Lyon that the brothers Lumière first invented the cinematography. Today Lyon, taking notice of the name Lumière which means ‘light,’ is standing tall once more in the world stage by hosting the annual “Festival of Lights.” In this respect, too, Lyon is a city comparable to Paris, as a rival city. Paradoxically enough, Lyon's defeat to Paris has contributed to strengthening the city's competitiveness. Lyon survived and kept its identity intact throughout the historical events which overwhelmed the city: the defeat to Paris, the Roman invasion and the rule of the Saracens. The hero of 2nd World War was Charles de Gaulle, but it was Lyon's Jean Mullen who lead the resistance in France during the occupation. Lyon also has the human resources to meet and adapt to the demanding needs that, in the long run, clearly function to establish the city as the true carrefour where different cultures converge. The citizens of Lyon guard their identities while changing slowly to meet the needs of the changing culture, demonstrating that they are truly the cultural representatives of the 'one-Europe' doctrine.