The 72 Names Engraved on the Eiffel Tower – Who Were They?
We often recognize the Eiffel Tower as the symbol of Paris and one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. But did you know that there are dozens of names engraved into its iron structure? These names are not mere decoration—they are a tribute to the great minds of science and engineering who helped build France's legacy as a scientific power. In this post, we’ll explore who these people were and why their names were immortalized on the Eiffel Tower. Why Were Names Engraved on the Eiffel Tower? The Eiffel Tower’s designer, Gustave Eiffel , envisioned the structure as more than just a feat of architecture. He wanted it to represent scientific and technical progress . To that end, he chose to inscribe the names of 72 prominent scientists, mathematicians, and engineers from France’s past. The names are engraved around the lower balcony of the first floor , with 18 names on each of the four sides— a total of 72 names in gilded letters. W...