ROTHENBURG (ob
der Tauber)
History
History I
Sightseeing I
Practical I Hotels in Rothenburg
The earliest settlements in the area of
Rothenburg were established in remote antiquity. About 500 years B.C.
Celtic tribes had a fortification on the western slopes of the Tauber
valley (Engelsburg). The village of Detwang, today part of the town, was
founded about 960 A.C.. Ten years later the first medieval stronghold
was built. In 1142 it was joined by an imperial castle, but an
earthquake destroyed both castles in 1356. On May 15 in 1247 Rothenburg
became a free "Free City" of the German Empire under the emperor´s
special protection. This privilege initiated a great prosperity. The
town developed into a trading center and became one of the leading
communities in southern Germany. In 1400 Rothenburg had a population of
6000.
However, this glorious time ended in 1408. The citizens became involved
in unsuccessful, disastrous wars. In 1544 they converted to
protestantism. In 1631 during the Thirty Years War, total destruction of
the town could apparently only be prevented by the famous "Master
Draught" (Meistertrunk), when mayor Georg Nusch consumed 3.25 l of wine
in one go.
From 1650 until the beginning of the last century Rothenburg belonged to
the thousands of insignificant states that existed at that time in
central Europe. In 1802 Rothenburg was incorporated into the kingdom ov
Bavaria. Later, during the Romantic period of German art, the well
preserved medieval town became a Mecca for painters and poets. They
established the world-wide reputation of Rothenburg.
During World War II on March 31, 1945, an allied bombardement destroyed
the eastern part of the old town. But fortunately the historical center
remained untouched. In spite of the poorness of the years after the war,
the inhabitants of Rothenburg were able to rebuild the destroyed parts
according to the old medieval plans.
(information courtesy of
Germanworld.com Rothenburg)
