Wiesbaden History, Germany

The city of Wiesbaden is the capital of the federal state of Hesse. Its history is connected to the spa as it is known as one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. Wiesbaden is true to its name’s meaning “meadow baths.” Add to this, Wiesbaden History proved to be eminent as it is comprehensive.

Wiesbaden History – Early History

A documented record of the very first settlement in Wiesbaden was in the 6 AD after the construction of a Roman port in town. A hundred years after, the Mattiaci, a Germanic tribe, started to settle within the locality. In 260 AD, the Germanic tribe Alamanni captured the Roman port.

Wiesbaden History – Middle Ages

Wiesbaden was made a reichsstadt, an imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire, in 1232. Unfortunately, Siegfried III, the Archbishop of Mainz, ordered the destruction of the city in 1242.

In 1270, Wiesbaden was given back to the rule of the House of Nassau. Shortly after that, the city and the Sonnenberg castle were once again destroyed in 1283. In the 14th century, Wiesbaden became the seat of power of the Nassau-Wiesbaden County under Count Adolf I.

Wiesbaden History – Modern Age

All the privileges bestowed to Wiesbaden were lost because of its participation in the Peasants’ War in 1525. It was also during this time that the city joined Protestantism.

After the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved, the Nassau-Usingen and Nassau-Weilburg counties joined in the Confederation of the Rhine. On August 30, 1806 the two counties united to establish the Duchy of Nassau. After that the duchy joined the German Confederation, then the capital of Nassau was shifted from Weilburg to Wiesbaden.

During the War of Austro-Prussia, Nassau helped out Austria. This ended the duchy. Because of Austria’s defeat, Nassau became a part of Prussia. The following years proved to be beneficial to Wiesbaden as it was shaped into an administrative seat, convention city, and a spa.

Wiesbaden History – World War II

The city of Wiesbaden was mainly spared from allied bombings. However, on 66 occasions, the city was attacked causing less than a quarter damage to houses and killing around 17 hundred people. On March 28, 1945, Wiesbaden fell into the hands of the US Army forces.

Wiesbaden History – Recent History

The end of World War II resulted to the establishment of the state of Hesse. Wiesbaden became the capital of the state. More expansions were done after the city became the capital of the state. At present, Wiesbaden enjoys the benefit of being one of the favorite tourist destinations.

Wiesbaden History made the city recognized not only in Germany but in the whole world. Other cities in the country have their own stories to convey. Explore Germany by taking a look at Dusseldorf Travel Guide and Berlin Travel Guide.

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