ARMENTIRES

town, Nord dpartement, Nord-Pas-de-Calais rgion, northern France. It lies along the Lys River, near the Belgian frontier. The town was entirely rebuilt after being destroyed in World War I, and its red brick buildings present a uniform appearance. Armentires was 2 miles (3 km) behind the battle line throughout most of World War I, and from April until October 1918 it was occupied by the Germans. During World War II the town was bombed and was again occupied by the Germans from May 1940 until September 1944. Romans who were in the area in 57 BC raised cattle on the banks of the Lys. The name Armentires is derived from the Gallo-Roman armentum, meaning cattle for ploughing or, collectively, herd. Since the Middle Ages, Armentires has been noted for its linen, but the industry has had difficulties in recent years. Printing is important, and other industries include dyes, clothing, beer, and machinery. Agriculture in the surrounding area is important, and flax was formerly one of the chief crops. Pop. (1990) 26,240.