an ancient city of France, capital of an arrondissement in the department of Aisne, on the left bank of the Aisne, 60 miles N.E. of Paris. The town, along with its suburb St Vaast, on the other side of the river, is inclosed with fortifications; and these two portions are connected by a handsome stone-bridge. The streets are straight and regular, and the houses generally well built of stone. Among the public buildings, the most remarkable is the old cathedral, a dilapidated edifice, partially repaired. The Abbey of St Jean-des-Vignes, which afforded a retreat to Thomas à Becket when in exile, has been all destroyed, except the west end of the church and its two towers and spires. Soissons contains also a good public library, a college, ecclesiastical seminary, courts of law, theatre, baths, and public walks. Carpets, woollen and linen cloth, hosiery, twine, leather, paper, beer, &c., are made here; several fairs and markets are held; and a considerable trade is carried on, especially with Paris. Soissons is one of the oldest cities of France. It is the ancient Noviodunum, and obtained its present name from the Suessones, in whose territory it stood. Here Clovis, in 486, by defeating Syagrius, put an end to the Roman power in Gaul, and established that of the Franks. It was for some time the capital of the country, and was the scene of many important events in its mediæval history. In the campaign of 1814 it was twice captured by the allies, and as often recovered by the French. Pop. (1856) 7875.