Read the first couple pages of this PDF for info on the historical setting of the play. Great place to start your research.

...was a science-fiction author? Huh???

The Siege of Arras in 1640, the primary battle mentioned in Cyrano, took place during the Thirty Years' War, which was from 1618-1648. Don't confuse it with the Battle of Arras during World War II, much later!! This site is written by a student, but a very specialized one--a student who got a grant from the British government to research fortresses like Arras. It has good info about this battle.

Some interesting historical drawings of how people dressed during the time of the play

This site is a costume store, not a research site, but offers some interesting pictures of fashion at exactly the right time period (mid-1600s)

This page gives an overview of the concept of courtly love in history--note that it existed throughout Europe (not just France) and started in the Middle Ages (a few centuries earlier than the play).

This site is written by a high school history teacher in the UK.

A very powerful political figure who pretty much controlled France during the time of the play.

Interesting Fact: Louis XIII (13th), the King right before the time of Cyrano, was also the king in the Three Musketeers story.

Also known as the Sun King, Louis XIV became king of France in 1642, during the time of the play.