1720 – MARSEILLE FACES A MAJOR PLAGUE EPIDEMIC

That year, the Phocaean City had to confront a true scourge. Arriving from Syria, the ship "Le Grand Saint-Antoine" brought with it the plague bacillus. Despite knowing about the presence of the virus, the authorities still allowed the ship to dock and unload its cargo. The toll was heavy: around 40,000 people died, roughly half of Marseille's population. The disease later spread throughout Provence, claiming over 100,000 lives.

1779 – THE YEAR A "SARDINE" BLOCKED MARSEILLE'S PORT

This anecdote has become emblematic in Marseille's history. People were initially perplexed hearing about a sardine that blocked the port, likely thinking it was another Marseille exaggeration. Well, not entirely. In 1779, an English ship named the Sartine - with a "t" - carrying prisoners, arrived in Marseille. Due to a navigation error, the ship struck rocks and eventually sank. Its masts, towering and imposing, blocked the port for several days. Word of mouth did the rest: "Sartine" was renamed "Sardine."

1932 – THE BIRTH OF RICARD, "THE TRUE MARSEILLE PASTIS"

In the 18th century, French authorities banned the consumption and sale of absinthe, a beverage causing havoc at the time. In 1920, the government allowed the production of aniseed alcoholic drinks again under one condition: alcohol content must be below 30°. Two years later, the permitted alcohol level was raised to 40°. In Provence, aniseed drinks were already popular, especially during aperitif time. Aware of the potential of this alcohol, 23-year-old Marseille native Paul Ricard seized the opportunity and created a brand in his name. He also gave a name to this drink made from anise and licorice: Pastis. "Pastis" means "mixture" in Provençal. The "yellow" now has an official appellation!

JUNE 23, 1972 – ZINÉDINE ZIDANE, THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND

When he kicked a ball at his neighborhood's social center, he likely never imagined he would one day become a legend. A legend for youths in neighborhoods, a legend for the people of Marseille, for the French, and for the rest of the world. Born in 1972, Zinédine Zidane grew up in La Castellane, in Marseille's 16th arrondissement. Quickly, he joined local clubs and then French clubs. In 1996, this "neighborhood kid" stepped onto the global stage when he joined Juventus in Turin, considered one of the world's best football teams. With this club, he achieved numerous national and European victories. In 1998, he reached the pinnacle. Selected for the French national team, he won the World Cup and was awarded the Ballon d'Or the same year. Today, as coach at Real Madrid, he remains a true legend in the eyes of Marseillais.

NOVEMBER 26, 1977 – OPENING OF THE FIRST METRO LINE

On November 26, 1977, Marseille became France's second city to have a metro. It inaugurated its first line, connecting the north to the south, from La Rose station to Castellane. At the time, it was managed by the Autonomous Transport Authority of the City of Marseille (RATVM), which became the Marseille Transportation Authority (RTM) in 1986.

MAY 26, 1993 – THE DAY OM WAS CROWNED EUROPEAN CHAMPION

This date will forever be etched in the history of Olympique de Marseille and in the hearts of Marseillais. During the UEFA Champions League final on May 26, 1993, OM faced AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. With a score of 1-0, the Olympians won this prestigious European competition. Moreover, they became the first French club to win this title and lift this precious trophy.

2013 – THE YEAR MARSEILLE BECAME EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

2013 was an opportunity to discover a new face of the city. Architecturally, this was reflected in the new appearance of the FRAC – Regional Fund for Contemporary Art – the opening of the MuCEM – Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations – and the Villa Méditerranée. Beyond these monuments, both locals and tourists enjoyed numerous cultural events of all kinds, including exceptional exhibitions. Results were impressive: nearly 10 million visitors attended events in the area, and MP2013 attracted around 2 million more tourists than the previous year. According to a survey by Euroval, Bouches-du-Rhône Tourisme, and Agram, 90% of tourists expressed a desire to return to the region.

JULY 17, 2016 – LE CORBUSIER INSCRIBED IN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

The "Le Corbusier" housing unit, located in the 8th arrondissement, is one of Marseille's most remarkable architectural works. It resulted from five years of work by architect Jean-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, known as Le Corbusier. Opened in 1952, this building is a true vertical village, containing residences, a bakery, a school, and more. After two rejections in 2009 and 2011, all of Le Corbusier's architectural works were finally inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage on July 17, 2016.

THESE DATES THAT COULD TIP THE FUTURE OF MARSEILLE

For several years, Marseille has been positioning itself as a city focused on the future, seeking international recognition. Next year, it will officially be the European Capital of Sport, a role it values and intends to fulfill seriously by organizing a series of sporting events. With this title, Marseille sees a broader horizon. The 2024 Olympic Games could shine a spotlight on the city if Paris is chosen as the host city. The Phocaean city would host sailing events and some football matches: an opportunity for new international recognition through television broadcasts. While the city has almost nothing left to prove in sports, it doesn't neglect art. In 2020, Marseille will be the first French city to host the Manifesta biennial of contemporary art, one of Europe's most important. And because nothing seems to stop Marseille, it is also a candidate to host the 2025 World Expo, with the theme "Journey in the Mediterranean." There's no doubt: Marseille is determined to shine on a global scale.