When compared to other cities in France, Montpellier is a relatively young one. The first settlement was started in the late 10th century with the rulers the Guilhem family who continued to rule for almost 200 years.

Trading Center

This city quickly became a prosperous trading center with merchants from Europe, Spain and the Mediterranean flowing into the city. Trade was paramount in town as spices, sugar and cloth came into the city and went back out on the trade route. The town's major export was a red dye developed using a parasitic insect that lived in the trees in the countryside. This dye was sought after and it made Montpellier very rich.

The Plague

The city was part of a dowry to Marie of Montpellier when she married Peter II of Aragon and became property of the kings of Aragon in 1213. Montpellier became a center of education and taught Jewish and Islamic doctrine. A law school was also established there and in 1220 a school of medicine was founded.  Nostradamus was one of the students at the school of medicine. In 1349 the city was sold to the French King Philip VI in 1349. In the 14th century the city built a church dedicated to St. Peter and then in 1536 a bishop was sent in residence. Montpellier was considered to be one of the most important cities until the plague came. The city didn't fare well during the plagues in Europe and over a third of the population died. It was decimated by the black death and it didn't start to make a comeback until the 15th century when the population seemed to replenish itself and the economy became healthy again.

Reformation

During the Reformation many residence became protestant and the city became a Protestant or Huguenot, stronghold. The king of France took the city in 1622. During the War of Religion most of the medieval structures in the town where destroyed or renovated. A citadel was built in 1622 in order to maintain the loyalty of the city to the French crown.

Hotels

The city became the capital of the Languedoc and elaborate and imposing hotels were built. The Place de la Comedie, Promenade du Peyrou and Hotel St. Come are just some of those buildings that stand today.

Industry

An industrial center began to emerge in the 19th century as population boomed after French settlers in Algeria immigrated to France and decided to live in Montpellier. Wine making began to fuel the economy only to succumb to a fungal disease in the 1890's that destroyed a third of the vineyards. Today the city continues to grow and is considered to be the 8th largest city in France.