1767-Feb.-04: Construction began on a monumental new bridge at Neuilly near Paris, designed and directed by M.

1767-Feb.-04: Construction began on a monumental new bridge at Neuilly near Paris, designed and directed by M. Perronet, a King’s Engineer and member of the Academy of Sciences. In a practice reminiscent of the ancient Roman Legions, soldiers from the French Guards regiment were employed to transport earth and perform other essential labor. This military labor strategy was intended to maintain the health, vigor, and discipline of the troops during peacetime while avoiding the dangers of idleness. The project also included the flattening of the Butte-de-l’étoile and the paving of the main avenue leading to the new structure.