Cologne is a city located in the western part of Germany in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is one of the oldest German cities that played a big role in the formation and development of Europe. It is not surprising, because its history dates back to the Roman era.
Instructions
Step 1
As evidenced by archaeological excavations, even 5000 years ago, the ancient Celts had their fortifications on the territory of modern Cologne. However, the history of this city as a permanent settlement begins with the founding of Oppidum Ubiorum in 38 BC. e. This fortification was built by the commander of the Roman emperor Augustus, Mark Vipsanius Agrippa, after the Germanic tribe of the Ubiys, friendly to the Romans, landed on the left bank of the Rhine.
Step 2
In 15 BC. e. in the family of the commander Germanicus, who lives in this settlement, the daughter of Agrippina is born. Later, becoming the wife of Emperor Claudius, she persuades him to give his native settlement the status of a colony. In 50 A. D. e. Oppidum Ubiorum receives this status and is renamed Colony of Claudius and the altar of Agrippina. In the Middle Ages, only the word "Colony" remained from this name, and in the common people it was called Cologne.
Step 3
Since then, the city has been actively developing. In 1985 it was declared the capital of Lower Germany, and churches, administrative buildings and a theater appeared in it. After another 60 years, its population already totals more than 15,000 people, while on the other side of the Rhine, the possessions of free Germanic tribes immediately began. A little later, the mint and glass industry appeared in Cologne.
Step 4
In 454, Cologne was finally conquered by the Ripoire Franks and almost half a century of the Roman period of this ancient city ends. Since 508, Cologne has been the permanent seat of the archbishops, but in 1288 it becomes free from the power of the archbishop. By this time, he was already the largest shopping center in Germany.
Step 5
Since 1794, Cologne was ruled by the French, who destroyed many of the city's historic buildings and monuments. And 10 years later, the Prussian period begins in Cologne, during which the city again actively developed - a telegraph line was laid in it, one of the first railway branches of Prussia, numerous plants and factories were opened.
Step 6
After Germany's defeat in World War I, Cologne entered the French occupation zone. And in 1933, the power in the city passed into the hands of the Nazis. The Second World War brought enormous destruction to Cologne, destroying 90% of the city's buildings. However, already in the first post-war years, active restoration began in the city, new production was launched, banks, company buildings and cultural objects were built. Modern Cologne is the third largest city in Germany and the fourth most populous city in Germany, with a developed modern infrastructure, industry and rich history.
